Nanocomposite plastic scintillators

Abstract

Spectroscopic detection of gamma photons has widespread applications for particle physics research, threat detection and medical diagnosis. We report the development of plastic scintillators for gamma photoelectric generation. High-Z nanoparticles are loaded at high concentrations to enhance the gamma cross-section, and conjugated organic luminescent compounds are investigated to boost the light yield. Factors affecting the synthesis, optical transparency, light yield and radiation hardness will be discussed.