How does plastic scintillator work?
How do they work? Scintillators are a group of materials that luminesce when exposed to ionizing radiation. In layman’s terms that means these materials emit light when they absorb particles or electromagnetic waves that create “free” electrons in the material.
Can scintillators detect neutrons?
In general neutrons are more difficult to detect than gamma rays because of their weak interaction with matter and their large dynamic range in energy. Thermal neutrons can be detected by means of a nuclear reaction with 6-Li atoms in 6-Li containing scintillation materials. …
Does scintillation detect radiation?
Scintillation (light) detectors detect radiation by measuring the amount of light produced in special crystalline materials by the ionizing radiation.
What is a scintillator used for?
Scintillators are materials that are able to convert high energy radiation such as X or gamma-rays to a near visible or visible light. They are widely used as detectors in medical diagnostics, high energy physics and geophysical exploration (ref. Knoll).
What makes a good scintillator?
The perfect scintillator should be dense, bright and fast. The denser the scintillator, the more efficient it is at stopping gamma rays. Bright means more visible light is produced per unit energy absorbed ≳ 30,000ph/MeV, which increases signal, reduces the statistical uncertainty in position and energy.
Can GM counter detect neutrons?
Geiger counter can detect ionizing radiation such as alpha and beta particles, neutrons, and gamma rays using the ionization effect produced in a Geiger–Müller tube, which gives its name to the instrument.
Why do we need a scintillator detector?
Scintillation detectors are used for the determination of the high-energy part of the X-ray spectrum. In scintillation detectors the material of the detector is excited to luminescence (emission of visible or near-visible light photons) by the absorbed photons or particles.
What type of radiation can a scintillation detector detect?
gamma radiation
Most scintillation detectors are only sensitive to one type of radiation. So NaI detectors will pick up gamma radiation, but not alpha or beta, zinc sulfide (ZnS) will only pick up alpha radiation, and so forth.
What is a scintillator material and what is its function in a scintillator detector?
Are there any plastic scintillators that can detect neutrons?
However, plastics have more flexibility in their composition and structure than crystals, as well as having none of the hazards associated with liquid scintillators. Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a plastic that can detect neutrons, something previously thought impossible.
How is a plastic scintillator detector assembly made?
All plastic scintillators are cut to customer specified dimensions and machined to ensure the best optical properties on all surfaces. Custom plastic scintillator detector assemblies are also available.
What can a plastic scintillator be used for?
Plastic scintillators could assist in detecting nuclear substances such as plutonium and uranium that might be used in improvised nuclear devices. As well as help in detecting neutrons in major scientific projects. For additional information refer to the following articles:
Which is the best material for neutron detection?
Owing to the complexity of their detection, as well as scarcity of 3 He, which has historically been the preferred choice for neutron detection in many application fields, new sensitive materials are sought.
