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At least 991 records · Page 55
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Scintillation Properties of a Cs2LiLa(Br6)90%(Cl6)10%:Ce (CLLBC) Crystal

In investigations of Ce3+-doped Cs2LiLa(Br6)90%(Cl6)10% (CLLBC) elpasolite crystals, the crystals show an excellent neutron and gamma (n/g) radiation response. The results of our studies on the scintillation properties of CLLBC viz. radioluminescence, energy resolution, light yield, decay times, and nonproportionality are discussed. The CLLBC detector can provide energy resolution as good as 4.1% at 662 keV (FWHM), which is better than that of NaI:Tl. Because the crystal contains 6Li, CLLBC can also detect thermal neutrons. In the energy spectra, the full energy thermal neutron peak appears near or above 3 MeV gamma equivalent energy. This high-energy signature for the thermal neutron peak means that very effective pulse height discrimination is possible. Unfortunately, because the core-to-valence luminescence observed in other elpasolites that can be exploited for effective pulse shape discrimination (PSD) is not observed in the CLLBC, other strategies for obtaining the PSD of CLLBC are needed. The n/g discrimination capability of CLLBC detectors may be optimized by tuning the cerium doping content for maximum effect on n/g pulse shape differences. The value of adding a chlorine component to the nominal CLLB crystal is discussed. Because the crystal contains chlorine, its sensitivity to fast neutrons is better than that of Cs2LiLaBr6 (CLLB). Further, an array of three of these CLLBC detectors may be able to perform directional detection in both the neutron and gamma channels simultaneously.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

A comparative study of small field total scatter factors and dose profiles using plastic scintillation detectors and other stereotactic dosimeters: The case of the CyberKnife

Purpose: Small-field dosimetry is challenging, and the main limitations of most dosimeters are insufficient spatial resolution, water nonequivalence, and energy dependence. The purpose of this study was to compare plastic scintillation detectors (PSDs) to several commercial stereotactic dosimeters by measuring total scatter factors and dose profiles on a CyberKnife system. Methods: Two PSDs were developed, having sensitive volumes of 0.196 and 0.785 mm{sup 3}, and compared with other detectors. The spectral discrimination method was applied to subtract Cerenkov light from the signal. Both PSDs were compared to four commercial stereotactic dosimeters by measuring total scatter factors, namely, an IBA dosimetry stereotactic field diode (SFD), a PTW 60008 silicon diode, a PTW 60012 silicon diode, and a microLion. The measured total scatter factors were further compared with those of two independent Monte Carlo studies. For the dose profiles, two commercial detectors were used for the comparison, i.e., a PTW 60012 silicon diode and Gafchromics EBT2. Total scatter factors for a CyberKnife system were measured in circular fields with diameters from 5 to 60 mm. Dose profiles were measured for the 5- and 60-mm cones. The measurements were performed in a water tank at a 1.5-cm depth and an 80-cm source-axis distance. Results: The total scatter factors measured using all the detectors agreed within 1% with the Monte Carlo values for cones of 20 mm or greater in diameter. For cones of 10-20 mm in diameter, the PTW 60008 silicon diode was the only dosimeter whose measurements did not agree within 1% with the Monte Carlo values. For smaller fields (<10 mm), each dosimeter type showed different behaviors. The silicon diodes over-responded because of their water nonequivalence; the microLion and 1.0-mm PSD under-responded because of a volume-averaging effect; and the 0.5-mm PSD was the only detector within the uncertainties of the Monte Carlo simulations for all the cones. The PSDs, the PTW 60012 silicon diode, and the Gafchromics EBT2 agreed within 2% and 0.2 mm (gamma evaluation) for the measured dose profiles except in the tail of the 60-mm cone. Conclusions: Silicon diodes can be used to accurately measure small-field dose profiles but not to measure total scatter factors, whereas PSDs can be used to accurately measure both. The authors' measurements show that the use of a 1.0-mm PSD resulted in a negligible volume-averaging effect (under-response of Almost-Equal-To 1%) down to a field size of 5 mm. Therefore, PSDs are strong candidates to become reference radiosurgery detectors for beam characterization and quality assurance measurements.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2013

Optical photon transport in powdered-phosphor scintillators. Part II. Calculation of single-scattering transport parameters

Purpose: Monte Carlo methods based on the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) have previously been used to model light transport in powdered-phosphor scintillator screens. Physically motivated guesses or, alternatively, the complexities of Mie theory have been used by some authors to provide the necessary inputs of transport parameters. The purpose of Part II of this work is to: (i) validate predictions of modulation transform function (MTF) using the BTE and calculated values of transport parameters, against experimental data published for two Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Tb screens; (ii) investigate the impact of size-distribution and emission spectrum on Mie predictions of transport parameters; (iii) suggest simpler and novel geometrical optics-based models for these parameters and compare to the predictions of Mie theory. A computer code package called phsphr is made available that allows the MTF predictions for the screens modeled to be reproduced and novel screens to be simulated. Methods: The transport parameters of interest are the scattering efficiency (Q{sub sct}), absorption efficiency (Q{sub abs}), and the scatter anisotropy (g). Calculations of these parameters are made using the analytic method of Mie theory, for spherical grains of radii 0.1-5.0 {mu}m. The sensitivity of the transport parameters to emission wavelength is investigated using an emission spectrum representative of that of Gd{sub 2}O{sub 2}S:Tb. The impact of a grain-size distribution in the screen on the parameters is investigated using a Gaussian size-distribution ({sigma}= 1%, 5%, or 10% of mean radius). Two simple and novel alternative models to Mie theory are suggested: a geometrical optics and diffraction model (GODM) and an extension of this (GODM+). Comparisons to measured MTF are made for two commercial screens: Lanex Fast Back and Lanex Fast Front (Eastman Kodak Company, Inc.). Results: The Mie theory predictions of transport parameters were shown to be highly sensitive to both grain size and emission wavelength. For a phosphor screen structure with a distribution in grain sizes and a spectrum of emission, only the average trend of Mie theory is likely to be important. This average behavior is well predicted by the more sophisticated of the geometrical optics models (GODM+) and in approximate agreement for the simplest (GODM). The root-mean-square differences obtained between predicted MTF and experimental measurements, using all three models (GODM, GODM+, Mie), were within 0.03 for both Lanex screens in all cases. This is excellent agreement in view of the uncertainties in screen composition and optical properties. Conclusions: If Mie theory is used for calculating transport parameters for light scattering and absorption in powdered-phosphor screens, care should be taken to average out the fine-structure in the parameter predictions. However, for visible emission wavelengths ({lambda} < 1.0 {mu}m) and grain radii (a > 0.5 {mu}m), geometrical optics models for transport parameters are an alternative to Mie theory. These geometrical optics models are simpler and lead to no substantial loss in accuracy.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-E-T-298: Small Field Total Scatter Factors Using a Commercial Scintillator Detector: Calibration Parameters Are Not Independent of Field Size

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy in total scatter factor (Sc,p) determination for small fields using commercial plastic scintillator detector (PSD). The manufacturer's spectral discrimination method to subtract Cerenkov light from the signal is discussed. Methods: Sc,p for field sizes ranging from 0.5 to 10 cm were measured using PSD Exradin (Standard Imaging) connected to two channel electrometer measuring the signals in two different spectral regions to subtract the Cerenkov signal from the PSD signal. A Pinpoint ionisation chamber 31006 (PTW) and a non-shielded semiconductor detector EFD (Scanditronix) were used for comparison. Measures were performed for a 6 MV X-ray beam. The Sc,p are measured at 10 cm depth in water for a SSD=100 cm and normalized to a 10'10 cm{sup 2} field size at the isocenter. All detectors were placed with their symmetry axis parallel to the beam axis.We followed the manufacturer's recommended calibration methodology to subtract the Cerenkov contribution to the signal as well as a modified method using smaller field sizes. The Sc,p calculated by using both calibration methodologies were compared. Results: Sc,p measured with the semiconductor and the PinPoint detectors agree, within 1.5%, for field sizes between 10'10 and 1'1 cm{sup 2}. Sc,p measured with the PSD using the manufacturer's calibration methodology were systematically 4% higher than those measured with the semiconductor detector for field sizes smaller than 5'5 cm{sup 2}. By using a modified calibration methodology for smalls fields and keeping the manufacturer calibration methodology for fields larger than 5'5cm{sup 2} field Sc,p matched semiconductor results within 2% field sizes larger than 1.5 cm. Conclusion: The calibration methodology proposed by the manufacturer is not appropriate for dose measurements in small fields. The calibration parameters are not independent of the incident radiation spectrum for this PSD. This work was partially financed by grant 2012 of Barcelona board of the AECC.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

SU-C-BRD-06: Results From a 5 Patient in Vivo Rectal Wall Dosimetry Study Using Plastic Scintillation Detectors

Purpose: To evaluate the performance characteristics of plastic scintillation detectors (PSDs) in an in vivo environment for external beam radiation, and to establish the usefulness and ease of implementation of a PSD based in vivo dosimetry system for routine clinical use. Methods: A five patient IRB approved in vivo dosimetry study was performed. Five patients with prostate cancer were enrolled and PSDs were used to monitor rectal wall dose and verify the delivered dose for approximately two fractions each week over the course of their treatment (approximately fourteen fractions), resulting in a total of 142 in vivo measurements. A set of two PSDs was fabricated for each patient. At each monitored fraction the PSDs were attached to the anterior surface of an endorectal balloon used to immobilize the patient's prostate during treatment. A CT scan was acquired with a CTon- rails linear accelerator to localize the detectors and to calculate the dose expected to be delivered to the detectors. Each PSD acquired data in 10 second intervals for the duration of the treatment. The deviation between expected and measured cumulative dose was calculated for each detector for each fraction, and averaged over each patient and the patient population as a whole. Results: The average difference between expected dose and measured dose ranged from -3.3% to 3.3% for individual patients, with standard deviations between 5.6% and 7.1% for four of the patients. The average difference for the entire population was -0.4% with a standard deviation of 2.8%. The detectors were well tolerated by the patients and the system did not interrupt the clinical workflow. Conclusion: PSDs perform well as in vivo dosimeters, exhibiting good accuracy and precision. This, combined with the practicability of using such a system, positions the PSD as a strong candidate for clinical in vivo dosimetry in the future. This work supported in part by the National Cancer Institute through an R01 grant (CA120198-01A2) and by the American Legion Auxiliary through the American Auxiliary Fellowship in Cancer Research.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2015

SU-C-304-03: Experimental Investigation On the Accuracy of Plastic Scintillation Dosimeters in Small Fields

Purpose: To investigate the accuracy of the Exradin W1 (SI) and of an “in-house” plastic scintillation dosimeter (CHUQ PSD) in small radiation fields. Methods: Output factor (OF) measurements with the W1 and CHUQ PSD were performed for field sizes of 0.5 x 0.5, 1 x 1 and 2 x 2 cm{sup 2}. Both detectors were placed parallel to the central axis (CAX) in water. The spectrum discrimination calibration method was performed in each set-up to account for the Cerenkov (CRV) signal created in the fiber. The OFs were compared to the expected field factors in water derived using i) Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of an accurate accelerator model and ii) microLion (PTW) and D1V diode (SI) OFs. MC-derived correction factors were applied to both the microLion and D1V OFs. For the CHUQ PSD the calibration was repeated in water (// CAX), solid water (perpendicular to CAX) and under a shielded configuration. The signal was collected using a spectrometer (wavelength range = 185–1100 nm). Spectral analysis was performed to evaluate potential changes of the spectral distributions under the various calibration set-up configurations. Results: The W1 OFs presented an over-response for the 0.5 x 0.5 cm{sup 2} in the range of 3 – 4.1% relative to the expected field factor. The CHUQ PSD presented an under-response in the range of 1.5 – 2.7%, without accounting for volume averaging. The CRV spectra under the various calibration procedures appeared similar to each other and only minor changes were observed to the respective OFs. Conclusion: The W1 and CHUQ PSD can be used in small fields down to a 1 x 1 cm{sup 2} field size. Discrepancies were encountered between the two detectors for the smallest field size of 0.5 x 0.5 cm{sup 2} with the CHUQ PSD exhibiting a closer agreement to the expected field factor. Funding sources: 1) Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation in Greece and 2) CREATE Medical Physics Research Training Network grant of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Grant number: 432290, RGPIN-2014-06475.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2019

Energy Spectrum of Ultrahigh-Energy Cosmic Rays according to Data from the Ground-Based Scintillation Detectors of the Yakutsk EAS Array

The energy spectrum of cosmic rays with energies E{sub 0} ≥ 10{sup 17} eV over the period of continuous observations in 1974–2017 is analyzed. A refined formula for estimating the primary particle energy is used for individual events. It is derived from our calculations of the responses of the ground-based and underground scintillation detectors of the Yakutsk extensive air shower array within the QGSjet-01-d, QGSjet-II-04, SIBYLL-2.1, and EPOS-LHC models by applying the CORSIKA package. The new estimate of E{sub 0} is appreciably lower than its previously used value.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2016

Possible application of scintillation detectors with semiconductor PMT for cosmic-neutron and gamma-ray detection

Solar system planets exploration and cosmic neutrons and gamma-ray flux research have been dynamically evolving for several decades. Different scintillation crystals are used for this purpose along with photo signal receivers, such as vacuum photomultiplier tubes (PMT). Many studies are being performed in order to provide alternative devices for photon signal capture: PIN-diodes,avalanche photodiodes, semiconductor silicon photomultipliers. We study the applicability of a silicon PMT in employing highresolution crystals in space applications.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Forty Years to the Artemovsk Scintillation Detector for Neutrinos

The current status of the ASD (Artemovsk scintillation detector) experiment aimed at search for a neutrino flux from gravitational collapses of stellar cores is presented. Experimental data obtained for 40 years of operation of the detector situated in a salt mine at a depth of 570 mwe are processed. The results obtained by calculating the expected signal in the detector on the basis of two models of supernova explosion are described. No candidates for neutrino bursts from gravitational star collapses have been revealed: the limit on the frequency of gravitational collapses was found to be less than one event per 17.15 yr at a 90% confidence level (f{sub col} < 0.058 yr{sup −1}).

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Energy Spectrum of Ultrahigh-Energy Cosmic Rays according to Data from Ground-Based Scintillation Detectors of the Yakutsk EAS Array

Results obtained from an analysis of the energy spectrum of cosmic rays with energies in the region of E{sub 0} ≥ 10{sup 17} eV over the period of continuous observations from 1974 to 2017 are presented. A refined expression for estimating the primary-particle energy is used for individual events. This expression is derived from calculations aimed at determining the responses of the ground-based and underground scintillation detectors of the Yakutsk array for studying extensive air showers (EAS) and performed within theQGSJET-01-d, QGSJET-II-04, SIBYLL-2.1, and EPOS-LHCmodels by employing the CORSIKA code package. The new estimate of E{sub 0} is substantially lower than its counterpart used earlier.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Efficiency Of Charged-Particle Detection with Scintillation-Detector Prototype for the Anticoincidence System of the Signal Experiment

The results obtained by measuring the efficiency of detection of charged particles (atmospheric muons) for a prototype of a polyvinyltoluene-based scintillation detector being created for the anticoincidence system of the Signal experiment on board the Interhelioprobe spacecraft are presented. These measurements rely on determining the ratio of the numbers of triple and double coincidences of pulses that arise as atmospheric muons traverse the detector system.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Search for low-energy neutrinos from gamma-ray bursts at the Baksan Underground Scintillation Telescope

The origin of gamma-ray bursts is still one of the unresolved problems in physics. They are short, intense, and non-repeating flashes of MeV gamma-rays with a wide range of spectral and temporal properties. Also these bursts are perhaps sources of neutrino emission. Unlike the photons, which may scatter or be absorbed, the neutrinos, due to their small interaction cross section, arrive at the Earth unaffected. This paper describes experimental methods for detection of low energy neutrinos in the range from 20 MeV to 100MeV at the Baksan Underground Scintillation Telescope. In the analysis we search neutrinos in time coincidence with a gamma-ray burst. We use filtered data collected at the Telescope during 2012. We also use the catalogue of gamma-ray bursts of the SWIFT satellite experiment.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2018

Search for Local Neutrino Sources with the Baksan Underground Scintillation Telescope

Local sources of muon neutrinos are searched for with the Baksan underground scintillation telescope. In the period from December 1978 through May 2017 (live-time 31.05 yr), 1635 neutrino events with zenith angles between 95° and 180° have been detected. No local sources of muon neutrinos with energies over 1 GeV have been found. Upper limits on the fluxes of muon neutrinos emitted by known astrophysical objects are established.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Prototype Scintillation Detector with Photosensors Based on Silicon Photomultiplier Arrays

A prototype scintillation detector with photosensors based on silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) arrays is described. Such a method of data-taking will make it possible to obtain an image (snapshot) of the event and, thereby, to separate different types of events (particle interactions) in the detector. For this purpose, the characteristics of SiPMs have been studied and a calibration measurement technique developed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2018

Search for Neutrino Bursts at the Baksan Underground Scintillation Telescope

The Baksan Underground Scintillation Telescope has been operating under the program of searching for neutrino bursts since the middle of 1980. The target is two parts of the facility with the total mass of 240 t. The actual observation time over the period from June 30, 1980, to December 31, 2016, is 31.27 years. No candidate for the stellar core collapse has been detected during the observation period. The upper bound for the mean rate of the supernova core collapse in our Galaxy is 0.074 y {sup −1} (90% CL).

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2019

Growing of Alkaline Earth Halide Scintillation Crystals and Their Optical Properties

The features of using the Bridgman method for growing alkaline earth halides crystals BaBrI, BaClI, and SrBrI are discussed. The results of the study of scintillation characteristics of grown crystals activated by europium ions are presented. The actual content of europium in crystals is determined and the values of the luminescence yield and decay time are estimated. X-ray luminescence and absorption spectra of the obtained crystals are given.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Tests of Scintillator+WLS Strips for Muon System at Future Colliders

Prototype scintilator+WLS strips with SiPM readout for muon system at future colliders were tested for light yield, time resolution and position resolution. Depending on the configuration, light yield of up to 36 photoelectrons per muon per SiPM has been achieved, as well as time resolution of 0.5 ns and position resolution of ~ 7 cm.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2015

Complex Electronic Structure of Rare Earth Activators in Scintillators

To aid and further the understanding of the microscopic mechanisms behind the scintillator nonproportionality that leads to degradation of the attainable energy resolution, we have developed theoretical and experimental algorithms and procedures to determine the position of the 4f energy levels of rare earth dopants relative to the host band edge states.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗