Graduation Semester and Year

2013

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Physics

Department

Physics

First Advisor

Wei Chen

Abstract

In the search for faster, more effective methods for detection of and protection against radiological weapons, advances in materials for radiation detection are a critical component of any successful strategy. This work focuses on producing inexpensive, but highly sensitive, nanoparticle alternatives to existing single-crystal installations. Attention is given to particular types of promising inorganic scintillators: LaF₃, yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG), and SrF₂, each one an inorganic host doped with additional elements that encourage luminescent decay and increase effective Z-value. I examine the possible routes to synthesize these compounds, and the difficulties and benefits of each method. After synthesizing these materials, testing was performed to determine comparative performance against each other and commercial solutions, identify structural and compositional characteristics, and explore routes for fixing the scintillators into a detector assembly. The unifying goal is to develop a scintillating material suitable for consistent dosimetry and radio-isotope identification applications.

Disciplines

Physical Sciences and Mathematics | Physics

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

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