Hybrid plastic scintillators aim to improve nuclear safety and medical imaging

Advancements in radiation detection: New plastic scintillators are safer, stronger, and clearer

Nuclear Science and Techniques

 

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Plastic scintillators are good alternatives for liquids, single crystals used in fields of nuclear safety, border security for neutron detection in the presence of a gamma radiation background,  as they are more robust and inexpensive without handling safety and field operation that can be produced in varieties of sizes and shapes. The incoming radiation particles causes the organic scintillator fluorescence containing a short decay (prompt) and a long decay (delayed) components, where the slow component is determined by a bimolecular process of the triplet (T1) excitons triplet–triplet interaction and annihilation (TTA) showing dependence on the particle species. The fluorescence photons from the scintillator are collected by a photoelectric conversion device (SiPM, PMT etc.) and are recorded using a digitized pulse to integrate the slow (Qtail) and total (Qtotal) components in order to discriminate radiation particles.

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Credit: Yingdu Liu

Main text:
Researchers from Xiangtan University and the China Institute of Atomic Energy have developed a new type of plastic scintillator that demonstrates enhanced optical transparency and mechanical durability. These materials offer a safer, more cost-effective alternative to traditional radiation detectors and may impact sectors such as nuclear safety, homeland security, and medical imaging.

Safer & More Cost-Effective Radiation Detection

Radiation detectors are widely used in nuclear power, border security, and medical diagnostics. Traditional detectors, however, often face challenges related to cost, fragility, and reliance on hazardous materials. The newly developed hybrid plastic scintillators address these issues by offering improvements in optical clarity and mechanical strength. This could lead to the development of next-generation radiation detectors that are more durable and efficient to manufacture.

“This development demonstrates the potential for creating next-generation radiation detectors that are both durable and clear,” said Prof. Ying-Du Liu, the corresponding author. “We hope this advancement will inform future research and industry practices.”

Prominent Advancements for Industry and Society

Industries relying on radiation detection could see cost reductions due to simpler production processes and longer material lifespan. The research may also encourage further studies on hybrid polymer materials, potentially benefiting applications in optical sensors, wearable biomedical devices, and other fields.

This advancement is relevant given current global concerns about nuclear safety, healthcare costs, and the need for efficient radiation detection systems. The hybrid scintillators offer a potential solution to several of these challenges.

Innovative Material Design Leads to New Capabilities

The research team’s analysis revealed several significant findings regarding plastic scintillators’ clarity, strength, and overall performance. Adding polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) to polystyrene-based scintillators increased visible light transmissivity to 90%, facilitating more precise and clear radiation detection. The inclusion of PMMA also enhanced the mechanical hardness of the scintillators by up to 55%, improving resistance to wear, impact, and environmental stress. An optimal composition was identified with a 20% PMMA blend, which provided a balance of clarity, mechanical strength, and detection accuracy. While higher PMMA concentrations reduced light output, the 20% blend maintained strong performance and stability over time.

This research outlines a potential path toward safer, more durable, and more cost-effective radiation detectors. By enhancing optical clarity and mechanical strength while maintaining detection performance, the hybrid plastic scintillators may influence the future of radiation detection technologies. As global demand for improved radiation detection increases, these materials offer a promising solution for several critical industries.  The complete study is accessible via DOI: 10.1007/s41365-024-01577-0.

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Journal

Nuclear Science and Techniques

DOI

10.1007/s41365-024-01577-0 

Method of Research

Experimental study

Subject of Research

Not applicable

Article Title

Optical transmittance and pulse shape discrimination of polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate)-based plastic scintillators

Article Publication Date

19-Dec-2024