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Radiation detector materials: An overview

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

B.D. Milbrath ,
A.J. Peurrung ,
M. Bliss  and
W.J. Weber
B.D. Milbrath*
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352
A.J. Peurrung
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352
M. Bliss
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352
W.J. Weber
Affiliation:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99352
*
a)Address all correspondence to this author. e-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Due to events of the past two decades, there has been new and increased usage of radiation-detection technologies for applications in homeland security, nonproliferation, and national defense. As a result, there has been renewed realization of the materials limitations of these technologies and greater demand for the development of next-generation radiation-detection materials. This review describes the current state of radiation-detection material science, with particular emphasis on national security needs and the goal of identifying the challenges and opportunities that this area represents for the materials-science community. Radiation-detector materials physics is reviewed, which sets the stage for performance metrics that determine the relative merit of existing and new materials. Semiconductors and scintillators represent the two primary classes of radiation detector materials that are of interest. The state-of-the-art and limitations for each of these materials classes are presented, along with possible avenues of research. Novel materials that could overcome the need for single crystals will also be discussed. Finally, new methods of material discovery and development are put forward, the goal being to provide more predictive guidance and faster screening of candidate materials and thus, ultimately, the faster development of superior radiation-detection materials.

Keywords

DevicesLuminescenceSemiconducting
Type
Review
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 23 , Issue 10 , October 2008 , pp. 2561 - 2581
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2008

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