Abstract
Scintillators are materials that exhibit
luminescence when excited by ionizing radiation– such as X-rays and gamma rays.
In other words, high energy rays are changed to visible light. Doped glass
scintillators are favored over other scintillators because of their good
mechanical, chemical, thermal, and absorbance properties. The issue that arises
when considering doped glass scintillators is that the dopants need to be
stable in their less stable, luminant, oxidation states. This shortcoming
requires manufacturers to use additional reducing agents or reducing
environments during the fabrication process. FIU inventors have invented alternative methods
of fabricating doped glass scintillators. A stereolithography process is used,
which is a three-dimensional printing technique that uses layering, and binding
using visible light. Stereolithography allows for the doping to be carried out
before the green body composite formation so that homogeneity of the dopant is
improved. Vacuum sintering also assists with keeping the dopants in their
luminescence-producing oxidation state, decreasing the need for additional
reducing agents.
Benefit
· The need for additional reducing agents or reducing environments is reduced significantly · The dopant is stable in its luminescent oxidation state
Market Application
· Use for detection of ionizing radiation · Useful in the electrical power industry as spectral converters for solar cells · Use in medical imaging devices for diagnostics
Brochure
