Efficient Prompt Scintillation and Fast Neutron-Gamma Ray Discrimination Using Amorphous Blends of Difluorenylsilane Organic Glass and In Situ Polymerized Vinyltoluene
- 13 July 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
- Vol. 68 (9), 2400-2406
- https://doi.org/10.1109/tns.2021.3096926
Abstract
High performance radiation detection materials are an integral part of national security, medical imaging, and nuclear physics applications. Those that offer compositional and manufacturing versatility are of particular interest. Here, we report a new family of radiological particle-discriminating scintillators containing bis(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)diphenylsilane (compound “P2”) and in-situ polymerized vinyltoluene (PVT) that is phase stable and mechanically robust at any blend ratio. The gamma-ray light yield increases nearly linearly across the composition range, to ~16,400 photons/MeV at 75 % wt. P2. These materials are also capable of γ/n pulse shape discrimination (PSD) and between 20-50 % P2 loading are competitive with the PSD quality of commercially-available plastic scintillators. The 137Cs scintillation rise and decay times are sensitive to P2 loading and approach the values for “pure” P2. Additionally, the radiation detection performance of P2-PVT blends can be made stable in 60°C air for at least 1.5 months with the application of a thin film of poly(vinylalcohol) to the scintillator surfaces.Keywords
Funding Information
- US Department of Energy
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