Engineering topics

Richards, Cameron Gregory

Publications and source records attributed to Richards, Cameron Gregory.

7 records

DOE OSTI2024

Solid, structured composite neutron detectors with high dynamic range capability

Neutron detectors are essential across disciplines such as fundamental science, nuclear security, safeguards, and civilian applications. While 3 He-filled gas proportional counters have long been revered for their efficacy in detecting thermal neutrons and praised for their efficiency, neutron/gamma discrimination, and stability, the scarcity of 3He has spurred a search for alternatives. Here, we explore a solid structured scintillating particle composite (SPC) consisting of 6 Li-containing scintillating glass particles within an acrylic matrix as a neutron detector for high dynamic range applications. We show for the first time that an SPC neutron detector can boast an intrinsic detection efficiency of 0.261% for pure 252 Cf fission neutrons and an overall neutron detection efficiency of (0.546 ± 0.003)% at the Neutron Free-in-Air facility while being able to function in an intense gamma-ray environment. We also show that the SPC neutron detector supports fast neutron capture times and enables a dual-readout scheme that extends the detector dynamic range to high incident neutron fluxes. A scalable fabrication process allows for tailoring the SPC detector properties to the requirements of specific applications. Good agreement is found between the experimental results taken with a National Institute of Standards and Technology traceable 252 Cf source and the coupled MCNP6 and optical-ray-tracing simulations.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2022

Proton damage in (Y,Lu,Gd) 3 (Al,Ga) 5 O 12 :Ce mixed garnet scintillators

Scintillators are vital components for nuclear instrumentation and its applications, including plasma diagnostics and imaging. As yields in controlled fusion experiments increase, the radiation tolerance of scintillator candidates for use in instrumentation is of particular importance. High radiation exposure can damage scintillating materials and alter the optical properties. The effects of radiation damage in Ce-doped mixed garnet ceramics over the compositional range (Y,Gd,Lu) 3 (Al,Ga) 5 O 12 are investigated using optical techniques. The samples were exposed to 200 keV protons to an accumulated fluence of 10 16 protons per square centimeter, then characterized using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). DRS with visible light can assess the radiation tolerance of opaque poly-crystalline samples, which can be easily sintered from powders and thus offer distinct advantages in characterization compared to single crystals. Qualitative trends in induced absorption are presented as a function of composition, and the ideal cerium dopant concentration for Y 2 LuAl 5 O 12 is determined to be 0.60–0.75 mol.%.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

DOE OSTI2022

Compositional screening of Ce-doped (Gd,Lu,Y) 3 (Al,Ga) 5 O 12 ceramics prepared by quenching from melt and their luminescence properties

Quenching from the melt using an Optical Floating Zone furnace was investigated as a possible high-throughput preparation method in order to screen novel scintillating materials. To validate this method, polycrystalline rare-earth aluminum garnets and yttrium gallium aluminum garnets were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence and radioluminescence emission spectra as well as radioluminescence imaging and compared to the previously reported properties of those materials. In order to achieve rapid, but quantitative comparison of the materials, pellets fabricated from the synthesized powders were sintered; two different sintering conditions were investigated and compared. Therefore, a simplistic energy deposition and light absorption model for brightness of opaque samples under X-ray irradiation was developed to estimate the relative scintillation efficiency of the materials. Based on the results, Y 3 Al 5 O 12 , LuY 2 Al 5 O 12 and GdY 2 Al 5 O 12 seem to have the highest scintillation efficiency among the prepared samples.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2021

Investigations of radiation damaged arranged scintillating particle composites

Composites consisting of periodically arranged scintillating particles within an acrylic (poly methyl methacrylate) matrix are excellent templates for the gamma-insensitive detection of fast neutrons. In order to study the impact of radiation damage on acrylic-based scintillating particle composites, we exposed acrylic samples to different doses of fast neutrons up to 119.7 kGy and investigated the change in optical characteristics using optical absorption spectroscopy in the 200–800 nm wavelength range. The experimental results are compared to coupled MCNP6 and optical ray-tracing (FRED) simulations, and qualitative agreement is found. Neutron-induced radiation damage in the acrylic matrix manifests as a red-shift in the ultra-violet absorption edge of the acrylic and a corresponding decrease in the light propagation efficiency, which leads to detector performance degradation. We show for the first time that the effects of radiation damage can be mitigated by the use of wavelength-shifting coatings. We predict that composites with wavelength-shifting coatings can enable neutron detectors with high tolerance against neutron-induced radiation damage, a property that is particularly desired for neutron detection in high radiation environments.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Performance of BaFCl:Eu2+ scintillating composites for X-ray imaging screens

A cost-effective solution for improving X-ray imaging detectors is presented through the use of a translucent scintillating composite and pixelated screen structure. A large quantity of BaFCl:Eu 2+ polycrystalline scintillator powder was synthesized via flux growth and its optical properties characterized through photoluminescence (PL) and absolute quantum yield (QY). UV-curable composites containing the BaFCl:Eu 2+ material were fabricated with differing amounts of NOA1665 and NOA170 optical adhesives. It was determined that, when the two resins were combined, the translucency of the resulting composite could be enhanced. The BaFCl:Eu 2+ composite was also cast into a pixelated glass screen containing an array of 160 μm x 160 μm holes by two separate methods: composite paste application and powder-resin application. Based on visual inspection, using a composite paste to fill the apertures proved to be more effective in creating a uniform packing.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2019

Optical properties of BaFCl:Eu 2+ scintillating composites for X-ray imaging screens

The development of composite scintillating materials is necessary for the optimization of advanced pixelated X-ray imaging technology. Polycrystalline BaFCl:Eu 2+ was synthesized via a flux growth technique and its emission properties were characterized through photo-luminescence (PL) spectroscopy and time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC). PL emission wavelengths were observed at 365 nm, 383 nm, and 430 nm under UV excitation. Composite pastes, consisting of BaFCl:Eu 2+ powder and NOA1665 UV-curable resin, were fabricated and subsequently analyzed through absorption and radio-luminescence (RL) spectroscopy. An interchange of transmissivity and light production, resulting from differences in the amount of solvent and resin in the composite, was observed in fabricated composites.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

Synthesis and luminescence of the BaFCl:Eu 2+ scintillator system

X-ray imaging capabilities play a vital role in the medical industry, thus incentivizing the need for advanced device development. BaFCl:Eu 2+ is a promising material for scintillating composites applicable to pixelated X-ray imaging technology. Crystalline Eu(II)-doped BaFCl was synthesized via flux growth techniques with commercial reagents. The synthesis yield was separated into particle size subsets, and photo-luminescence (PL) spectra were obtained for each particle size range. Under UV irradiation, electronic transitions centered at 365 nm, 390 nm, and 430 nm were observed. Particle sizes <38 μm showed a significant drop in the characteristic Eu 2+ ion emission and a more intense emission near 430 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed the presence of a secondary phase, Ba 12 F 19 Cl 5 , and demonstrated that the introduction of this phase is dependent on synthesis parameters.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗