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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Dimensional Evolution Guides Property Control in the A n Cu 4– n TiS 4 Semiconductor Series

Through progressive reduction of the three-dimensional (3D) covalent network of Cu 4 TiS 4 , we isolate seven new members of the A n Cu 4–n TiS 4 family (A = alkali metal; n = 0–4), spanning 3D, 2D, 1D, and 0D structural fragments. The dimensional reduction is rational, as it preserves the edge-sharing connectivity between [CuS 4 ] 7– and [TiS 4 ] 4– tetrahedra across the series. This structural evolution is driven by the stepwise substitution of Cu with alkali metals, guiding the formation of fragments with reduced dimensionality. The effects of “n” and “A” on the crystal structures, stabilities, electronic structures, and optoelectronic properties are profound, demonstrating that the manipulation of alkali metal size and A n Cu 4–n TiS 4 stoichiometry enables predictable variations in structure and properties. For example, the n = 0 and n = 4 end members of the A n Cu 4–n TiS 4 family set the range of achievable band gaps with 2.00 eV for Cu 4 TiS 4 , 2.60 eV for Na 4 TiS 4 , and intermediate values for the n = 1–3 members. Notably, CsCu 3 TiS 4 exhibits exceptional air stability and congruent melting, with density functional theory (DFT) calculating moderate hole and electron effective masses in specific crystallographic directions (mh = 1.24m 0 , me = 0.87m 0 ). Additionally, A 3 CuTiS 4 (A = Na, K, Rb) displays direct band gap behavior and long photoluminescence lifetimes of 2.3–8.6 μs, and K 3 CuTiS 4 has a PLQY of 5.19%. These findings underscore the potential of the A n Cu 4–n TiS 4 family for applications in optoelectronics and demonstrate widely applicable design concepts that unveil rational stoichiometries within a given composition space to generate a series of crystal structures related through an evolving covalent dimensionality that corresponds to a predictable electronic structure and property progression.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Exceptional enhancement of mechanical properties in high-entropy alloys via thermodynamically guided local chemical ordering

Understanding the local chemical ordering propensity in random solid solutions, and tailoring its strength, can guide the design and discovery of complex, paradigm-shifting multicomponent alloys. First, we present a simple thermodynamic framework, based solely on binary enthalpies of mixing, to select optimal alloying elements to control the nature and extent of chemical ordering in high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Next, we couple high-resolution electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, hybrid Monte-Carlo, special quasirandom structures, and density functional theory calculations to demonstrate how controlled additions of Al and Ti and subsequent annealing drive chemical ordering in nearly random equiatomic face-centered cubic CoFeNi solid solution. We establish that short-range ordered domains, the precursors of long-range ordered precipitates, inform mechanical properties. Specifically, a progressively increasing local order boosts the tensile yield strengths of the parent CoFeNi alloy by a factor of four while also substantially improving ductility, which breaks the so-called strength–ductility paradox. Finally, we validate the generality of our approach by predicting and demonstrating that controlled additions of Al, which has large negative enthalpies of mixing with the constituent elements of another nearly random body-centered cubic refractory NbTaTi HEA, also introduces chemical ordering and enhances mechanical properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Progressive and instantaneous nature of lithium nucleation discovered by dynamic and operando imaging

The understanding of lithium (Li) nucleation and growth is important to design better electrodes for high-performance batteries. However, the study of Li nucleation process is still limited because of the lack of imaging tools that can provide information of the entire dynamic process. We developed and used an operando reflection interference microscope (RIM) that enables real-time imaging and tracking the Li nucleation dynamics at a single nanoparticle level. This dynamic and operando imaging platform provides us with critical capabilities to continuously monitor and study the Li nucleation process. We find that the formation of initial Li nuclei is not at the exact same time point, and Li nucleation process shows the properties of both progressive and instantaneous nucleation. In addition, the RIM allows us to track the individual Li nucleus’s growth and extract spatially resolved overpotential map. The nonuniform overpotential map indicates that the localized electrochemical environments substantially influence the Li nucleation.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Separation of K + and Bi 3+ displacements in a Pb-free, monoclinic piezoelectric at the morphotropic phase boundary

The best piezoelectric properties of any perovskite oxide known are found in the solid solution of the relaxor Pb (Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 and ferroelectric PbTiO 3 . Despite its impressive properties, this system has limited analogy. We present the compositional exploration of the Pb-free analogue (1-x)(K 1/2 Bi 1/2 )(Mg 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 -x(K 1/2 Bi 1/2 )TiO 3 (KBMN-KBT). We locate the morphotropic phase boundary between x = 0.86 and 0.88 changing from Cm to Pm symmetry and the optimally performing composition at x = 0.88. We report a piezoelectric figure of merit (d 33 *) of 192 pm V —1 from strain measurements. Diffraction methods reveal disordered displacements of K + and Bi 3+ which persist from the KBMN endmember through multiple changes in symmetry. Rearrangement of the Bi 3+ displacements along the uncommon [011] c direction drives the physical response. Ferroelectric, dielectric, and piezoresponse force microscopy are used to study the progression of physical properties through the MPB and attribute the mechanism to a polarization rotation. Taking account for local, short-range, and average structural features yield a balanced perspective on the structure and properties of this system, isolating the driving force within this system to the Bi 3+ bonding configuration. This work yields a strong analogy to the Pb-based analogue, and provides strategies for further optimization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Fundamental Properties for Evaluation of Uranium-free TRU-Zr Metal Fuel Performance

FR (Fast Reactor) is widely recognized to effectively burn plutonium and MA (Minor Actinides) (i.e., TRU: Transuranic) due to its higher fission-to-neutron-capture ratio compared to LWR. When TRU in LWR (Light Water Reactor) spent fuel is recycled into FR cycle, the radiotoxicity of the residual nuclear wastes from LWR spent fuel is reduced to natural uranium level after several hundred years instead of more than hundreds of thousand years for no recycling case. It could significantly improve public perception to nuclear waste disposal and might reduce the burden of the disposal. However, U-TRU-fueled fast reactors also produce TRU while burning TRU because they use uranium together with TRU. For example, FR, even with low conversion ratio of 0.75, burns only 0.18 t TRU/GWe/y, while LWRs produces about 0.22 t TRU/GWe/y. It is not a realistic scenario which needs almost the same capacity of fast reactors as that of LWRs to continuously burn TRU at LWR-dominant era in the near term at least. Therefore, a FR system to burn TRU from LWR with the minimum reactor units is desirable. The most effective way is to use uranium-free TRU fuel since it does not produce any new TRU. It can reduce the capacity of the TRU burner units and the associated fuel cycle facilities to about 1/5 and 1/8 respectively. Metal fuel FR cycle is considered to be one of the most promising ways because uranium-free TRU metal fuel could be recycled by pyro-process for U-Pu-Zr metal fuel without large modifications. This paper shows the recent research progress on fundamental properties of uranium-free TRU metal fuel. (authors)

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

1000 Soils Pilot Dataset, version 8, May 2025

This record hosts data generated by the 1000 Soils Pilot. Data will be updated as more become available. Please see the most recent data upload for current data. A beta visualization tool is available for some data types at https://shinyproxy.emsl.pnnl.gov/app/1000soils. Please submit any suggestions or comments through the 'contact' tab. We are actively working to improve visualizations and value all feedback. Data completed include: Geochemistry, texture, respiration, and enzyme activities FTICR-MS organic matter chemistry Microbial biomass C and N TOC/TDN of water-extractable OM X-ray computed tomography (derived metrics available here, raw data available upon request) Metagenomes; a variety of data formats are available upon request Soil hydraulic properties Data in progress: LC-MS/MS in development, timeline TBD, inquire for status 1000S_processed_BGC_summary.csv contains all available biogeochemical data; microbial biomass C and N; and TOC/TDN of water-extractable OM; and 1000S_Tomography.xslx contains a summary of data generated via X-ray computed tomography. icr_v2_corems2.csv contains FTICR-MS data processed by CoreMS version 2. These data are merged by formula across instrument runs to enable cross-sample comparisons. Technical replicates are merged by retaining peaks present in 2 out of 3 replicates. 1000Soils_Metadata_Site_Mastersheet_v1.csv contains site information. Soil Hydraulics_corrected_02042025.xlsx contains soil hydraulics information. Readme File_v4.xlsx is the readme file. Please contact the MONet project (monet.emsl@pnnl.gov) or Emily Graham (emily.graham@pnnl.gov) with questions. The following file and all raw data are available upon request: icr_by_mass_for_single_sample_analysis_only.csv contains FTICR-MS data processed by CoreMS and is intended for usage in the calculation of biochemical transformations within samples only. These data are not acceptable for cross-sample comparison of masses because they are from multiple instrument runs. For more information, please see: https://www.emsl.pnnl.gov/monet and https://sc-data.emsl.pnnl.gov/monet Acknowledgment: Soil data were provided by the Molecular Observation Network (MONet) at the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (https://ror.org/04rc0xn13), a DOE Office of Science user facility sponsored by the Biological and Environmental Research program under Contract No. DE-AC05-76RL01830. The work (proposal: 10.46936/10.25585/60008970) conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy, Joint Genome Institute (https://ror.org/04xm1d337), a DOE Office of Science user facility, is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy operated under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231. The Molecular Observation Network (MONet) database is an open, FAIR, and publicly available compilation of the molecular and microstructural properties of soil. Data in the MONet open science database can be found at https://sc-data.emsl.pnnl.gov/.

biogeochemistry↗
DOE OSTI2021

Materials Based on Technical Bulk Lignin

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer and the main source of aromatic structures on earth. Lignin has long been produced as a byproduct of the pulping process and utilized in low value-added applications like heat. However, lignin has received increased attention in recent years to improve its value through various chemical processes. This Review compiles recent progress in synthesis, properties, and applications of lignin-based materials. The lignin for material applications can often be classified into three categories: technical bulk lignin (TBL), lignin-derived oligomers (LDOs), and lignin-derived phenols (LDPs). Furthermore, this Review focuses on the chemical modifications of TBLs and their applications in novel smart materials like self-healing, stimulus responsive, and shape memory polymers. The conversion of TBL to polymers can be briefly divided into two steps: (1) introduction of polymerizable functional groups into the lignin backbone and (2) polymerization that achieves desired materials. Both lignin functionalization and polymerization approaches are discussed in detail. As such, this work attempts to provide a comprehensive overview that highlights the importance of these approaches for the utilization of the abundant but largely ignored biopolymer.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2022

Supervised learning of a chemistry functional with damped dispersion

Abstract Kohn–Sham density functional theory is widely used in chemistry, but no functional can accurately predict the whole range of chemical properties, although recent progress by some doubly hybrid functionals comes close. Here, we optimized a singly hybrid functional called CF22D with higher across-the-board accuracy for chemistry than most of the existing non-doubly hybrid functionals by using a flexible functional form that combines a global hybrid meta-nonseparable gradient approximation that depends on density and occupied orbitals with a damped dispersion term that depends on geometry. We optimized this energy functional by using a large database and performance-triggered iterative supervised training. We combined several databases to create a very large, combined database whose use demonstrated the good performance of CF22D on barrier heights, isomerization energies, thermochemistry, noncovalent interactions, radical and nonradical chemistry, small and large systems, simple and complex systems and transition-metal chemistry.

Liu, Yiwei (ORCID:0000000288126163)↗
DOE OSTI2014

Intergalactic medium emission observations with the cosmic web imager. I. The circum-QSO medium of QSO 1549+19, and evidence for a filamentary gas inflow

The Palomar Cosmic Web Imager (PCWI), an integral field spectrograph designed to detect and map low surface brightness emission, has obtained imaging spectroscopic maps of Lyα from the circum-QSO medium (CQM) of QSO HS1549+19 at redshift z = 2.843. Extensive extended emission is detected from the CQM, consistent with fluorescent and pumped Lyα produced by the ionizing and Lyα continuum of the QSO. Many features present in PCWI spectral images match those detected in narrow-band images. Filamentary structures with narrow line profiles are detected in several cases as long as 250-400 kpc. One of these is centered at a velocity redshifted with respect to the systemic velocity, and displays a spatially collimated and kinematically cold line profile increasing in velocity width approaching the QSO. This suggests that the filament gas is infalling onto the QSO, perhaps in a cold accretion flow. Because of the strong ionizing flux, the neutral column density is low, typically N(H I)∼10{sup 12}--10{sup 15} cm{sup −2}, and the line center optical depth is also low (typically τ{sub 0} < 10), insufficient to display well separated double peak emission characteristic of higher line optical depths. With a simple ionization and cloud model we can very roughly estimate the total gas mass (log M {sub gas} = 12.5 ± 0.5) and the total (log M {sub tot} = 13.3 ± 0.5). We can also calculate a kinematic mass from the total line profile (2 × 10{sup 13} M {sub ☉}), which agrees with the mass estimated from the gas emission. The intensity-binned spectrum of the CQM shows a progression in kinematic properties consistent with heirarchical structure formation.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effects of defects in composite wind turbine blades – Part 1: Characterization and mechanical testing

Abstract. The Montana State University Composite Material Technologies Research Group performed a study to ascertain the effects of defects that often result from the manufacture of composite wind turbine blades. The first step in this multiyear study was to systematically quantify and enter these defects into a database before embedding similar defects into manufactured coupons. Through the Sandia National Laboratories Blade Reliability Collaborative (BRC), it was determined that key defects to investigate were fiber waves and porosity. An inspection of failed commercial-scale wind turbine blades yielded metrics that utilized specific parameters to physically characterize a defect. Methods to easily and consistently discretize, measure, and assess these defects based on the identified parameters were established to allow for statistical analysis. Data relating flaw parameters to frequencies of occurrence were analyzed and found to fit within standard distributions. Additionally, mechanical testing of coupons with flaws based on these physical characterization data was performed to understand effects of these defects. Representative blade materials and manufacturing methods were utilized and both material properties and damage progression were measured. It was observed that flaw parameters directly affected the mechanical response. While the data gathered in this first step are widely useful, it was also intended for use as a foundation for the rest of the study, to perform probabilistic analysis and comparative analysis of progressive damage models.

Nelson, Jared W. (ORCID:0000000207736091)↗
DOE OSTI2022

Widespread opportunities for materials engineering of nanocrystals: Synthetically tailorable effects and methodologies

Since their initial development, semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) and metal nanoparticles (NPs) have become widely utilized in a variety of applications, including solar energy harvesting, lighting, catalysis, biomedical imaging, and targeted cancer treatments. Because of their reduced dimensionality, NCs and NPs have vastly different optical and electronic properties than their bulk counterparts, and the properties often depend heavily on the NC or NP surface. Surface defects and ligands alter the optoelectronic properties of NCs and NPs and affect their interaction with the environment, allowing tailoring of their properties without changing the overall chemical composition. In this review, we discuss research progress focusing on optoelectronic properties of NPs and NCs and their respective applications. We highlight how different surface treatments and ligand functionalization of nanomaterials can influence these applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Recent progress in understanding solid electrolyte interphase on lithium metal anode

Lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) are among the most promising candidates of next-generation high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Li metal anode plays a significant role which influences the Li deposition morphology and the cycle life of LMBs. Although SEI is the most important part, a thorough understanding of SEI is inadequate. In this review, we focus on the progresses of understanding on structures, properties and influencing factors of SEI as well as efficient strategies of tailoring SEI. First, the compositions, models and recent progresses on characterizing atomic structure of SEI are summarized. Second, the properties of SEI, including electronic conduction, ionic conduction, stability and mechanical properties are elucidated. Structures and properties of SEI are greatly influenced by multiple factors such as solvent, salt, additive, solvation structure, impurity, current density, temperature, pressure and capacity utilization. Thus, interactions between these factors and SEI are comprehensively discussed. Correlations of SEI with Li deposition morphology, rate capability and cycle life are further summarized. Moreover, efficient strategies of tailoring SEI with desired properties, including in-situ SEI and ex-situ SEI are also reviewed. Despite the significant progresses that have been achieved in the researches of SEI, better understanding of SEI is still highly demand. Finally, future directions especially in-operando techniques, multi-modality approaches for characterization of SEI and artificial intelligence assisted understanding of correlation between electrolyte components and SEI properties are proposed.

Wu, Haiping↗
DOE OSTI2020

Second Annual Progress Report on Correlation Between Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Neutron-Irradiated Ferritic-Martensitic and Austenitic Steels

Ferritic-martensitic steels G92-2b (an optimized Grade 92 heat), NF616 and T91, and austenitic stainless steel 800H and its Grain Boundary Engineering (GBE)-treated version 800H-TMP (ThermoMechanical Processing) were irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) of Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Selected G92-2b samples were irradiated up to 14.66 dpa in the HFIR at two temperature ranges: 400–496.7°C and 683.3– 720°C. NF616 and T91 were irradiated in the ATR up to 8.16 dpa with the irradiation temperatures ranged from 241°C to 447.5°C. Alloy 800H and 800H-TMP samples were irradiated in both the HFIR and the ATR. Selected 800H and 800H-TMP samples had HFIR irradiation to 1.28 dpa at 580°C and ATR irradiation up to 9.12 dpa at 359°C to 431°C. Vickers hardness measurements, fractography, and microstructural characterization were performed on the selected samples in the Low Activation Materials Design and Analysis (LAMDA) laboratory. Radiation-hardening of G92-2b was observed at the lower doses and lower irradiation temperatures (400- 496.7°C), with GB03 (0.52 dpa at 400°C) and GB04 (7.44 dpa at ~490°C) showing ~12% and ~8% hardening, respectively. Softening by ~14% was observed for GB05 (14.66 dpa at 496.7°C). Radiationsoftening of G92-2b was more prevalent at the higher irradiation temperatures (683.3-~720°C), with GB10 (0.46 dpa at 683.3°C), GB11 (7.44 dpa at ~720°C), and GB12 (14.63 dpa at ~720°C) showing ~8%, ~8%, and ~40% softening, respectively. Radiation-hardening of NF616 and T91 was observed with the hardness increased by ~37% to ~65% depending on the irradiation doses and irradiation temperatures. Within the studied irradiation conditions of NF616 and T91, samples with a higher dose had a larger hardness after irradiation. All the tested alloy 800H and 800H-TMP samples in this work showed radiation-hardening by ~96±7% to ~152±10%. Alloy 800H-TMP tended to have slightly smaller radiation-hardening than alloy 800H. The fractography results of G92-2b sample GB03, GB10, and GB11, together with the previously characterized fractography of GB04, GB05, and GB12, indicated that the ductility of G92-2b was maintained up to 14.66 dpa at the lower irradiation temperatures of 400-496.7°C, while some loss of ductility (less necking) was observed for higher doses at the higher irradiation temperatures of 683.3-720°C. This agrees with the previously reported tensile test results of G92-2b, where the elongation of G92-2b was reduced at higher doses at the higher irradiation temperatures. Dimple sizes increased at higher doses, which are more evident at the higher irradiation temperatures of 683.3-~720°C. The fractography of NF616 sample D2 (2.96 dpa at 291.5°C), D4 (5.91 dpa at 359°C), and D6 (8.16 dpa at 431°C) indicated loss of ductility with negligible necking for sample D2, while ductile failure for samples D4 and D6. Fractography of alloy 800H and 800H-TMP samples in various irradiation conditions showed ductile failure with obvious necking. Dimples were observed, with some of them containing large Ti-rich particles, in all the 800H/800H-TMP samples. Electron backscatter diffraction characterization of GB12 indicated the recovery of the lath structure, which was generally replaced by an equiaxed grain structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterization showed the presence of frequent M 23 C 6 (M = primarily Cr), MX (M = primarily V), spherical Nb(C,N) precipitates, and occasional Laves phase precipitates in the G92-2b samples. MX precipitates with sizes of 20-30 nm were observed at boundaries of smaller grains, indicating the pinning effect of the V-rich precipitates. The lath structure recovery was more evident at the higher irradiation temperatures (683.3-~720°C), with decreased densities of line dislocations and M23C6 precipitates. The irradiated T91 (TA04) showed the growth of M23C6 precipitates to 101 ± 40 nm from the initial 68 ± 22 nm in the unirradiated condition. Dislocation loops of both {100} and {111} types were present in TA04. TEM characterization was also performed on the irradiated 800H (N4, N5, N6, and AR2) and 800H-TMP (P4, P5, P6, and HG1). Accumulation of M 23 C 6 precipitates at grain boundaries was observed in all the xii 800H/800H-TMP samples, and the presence of Ti(C,N) precipitates at grain boundaries and in the matrix was observed in the irradiated 800H-TMP. Some Ti(C,N) precipitates are embedded in the M 23 C 6 precipitates, maintaining specific orientation relationships between the precipitates and between the precipitate and matrix. In addition, nanoscale Si-rich clusters were observed in the matrix of all the 800H/800H-TMP samples, with EDS Si maps tending to have a lower contrast in 800H-TMP samples. Atom probe tomography was conducted on the same samples, supported by a Rapid Turnaround Examination project under Nuclear Science User Facilities. The results are being analyzed to be integrated with the TEM results for a confident description of the γ’ precipitates. Dislocation loops also formed in all the 800H/800H-TMP samples. The density and the average size of dislocation loops were quantified to be in the order of 10 22 – 10 23 m -3 and 11.7 – 15.9 nm, respectively, in the ATR-irradiated 800H/800H-TMP samples. The loop densities in irradiated 800H were higher than that in irradiated 800H-TMP under the same irradiation conditions. Further systematic data analyses, together with some complementary experiments, will be pursued for these samples to foster peer-reviewed journal article publications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Recent Progress in U-10Mo Mechanical and Thermophysical Property Characterization

Results are presented on the mechanical and thermophysical property characterization of U-10Mo as part of the MP-1 qualification campaign. The thermal diffusivity, specific heat and thermal conductivity of as fabricated U-10Mo fuel foils and plates were measured using the thermal conductivity microscope (TCM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and laser flash analyzer (LFA) all of which located in a shielded glove box – thermal property cell (TPC). A novel inverse method based on finite element analysis was developed to evaluate the thermal diffusivity of composite/layered materials via the LFA technique such as the 5-lyered U-10Mo monolithic fuel mini-plates.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Recent Progress in U-10Mo Mechanical and Thermophysical Property Characterization -- Poster

Results are presented on the mechanical and thermophysical property characterization of U-10Mo as part of the MP-1 qualification campaign. The thermal diffusivity, specific heat and thermal conductivity of as fabricated U-10Mo fuel foils and plates were measured using the thermal conductivity microscope (TCM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and laser flash analyzer (LFA) all of which located in a shielded glove box – thermal property cell (TPC). A novel inverse method based on finite element analysis was developed to evaluate the thermal diffusivity of composite/layered materials via the LFA technique such as the 5-lyered U-10Mo monolithic fuel mini-plates.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Preparation of waterproof OSL dosimeters from hygroscopic materials with a special reference to NaCl:Cu

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) originally developed for geological/archaeological dating, has been found very useful for diverse applications in the field of radiation dosimetry. There is still a scarcity of OSL materials with demonstrated properties suited to dosimetry applications. Progress on the development of OSL materials with engineered properties has been slow and most research has focused on the OSL characterization of existing materials. One of the reasons for availability of only a handful of OSL dosimetry materials with adequate properties is that they have to satisfy certain stringent conditions necessary for such applications. Especially, hygroscopic materials are considered totally unsuitable. The efforts were made in our laboratory to overcome this problem. It is shown here that “water-proof” dosimeters can be prepared from even hygroscopic materials such as NaCl.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗