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Scintillations Materials Research Center

What Are Scintillation Materials?

Scintillators are materials that absorb energetic radiation such as gamma rays, X-rays, or neutrons and convert that energy into short bursts of visible photons. These photons are then converted into electrical pulses by photo-detectors. Scintillation materials exist in many physical forms, including crystals, glasses, powders, ceramics, plastics, liquids, and gases. The SMRC concentrates primarily on inorganic single crystals, polycrystalline ceramics, and thin films.

Scintillators

Inorganic crystals typically have superior performance for the detection of high-energy gamma rays, while polycrystalline ceramics can offer lower cost alternatives in some cases. Thin films are being developed for high resolution radiography as well as for combinatorial materials discovery.

SMRC Research

The center focuses the academic resources of several departments on research projects dedicated to the development of innovative materials for state-of-the-art radiation sensors and imaging systems. Located in the university’s Science and Engineering Research Facility, the center’s research activities include:

  • Scintillator discovery
  • Crystal growth
  • Characterization of new scintillator compositions
  • Fundamental investigation of scintillation mechanisms
  • Development of novel synthesis techniques
  • Synthesis of polycrystalline ceramics
  • Thin film synthesis
  • Numerical simulations of growth conditions
  • Theoretical investigations of structural and optical properties of crystals

Scintillators in Science and Industry

The SMRC conducts both basic research and research based on the scintillation material needs of private industry and national laboratories. Scintillator development is crucial to the advancement of a variety of commercial and scientific applications including:

  • Medical imaging systems for early detection of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease
  • Homeland security inspection and monitoring equipment
  • Energy exploration equipment to identify current and future petroleum reserves
  • Detectors for basic research; examples include detectors used in searches for new elementary particles conducted at various accelerator facilities around the world and fundamental studies of matter using neutron scattering at the Spallation Neutron Source in nearby Oak Ridge, TN

Academic Advantages

Students choosing to pursue research in the field of scintillation materials can look forward to promising careers. With the widespread use of scintillators in both commercial and scientific applications, there is high demand for individuals with expertise in this area. The SMRC welcomes students as well as experienced researchers interested in exploring new scintillation materials and developing exciting new applications of scintillator technology.

Interested in Joining Us?
We have an opening for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate that will focus on the discovery, synthesis, characterization, and development of new scintillation materials for radiation detection applications in homeland security and medical imaging. Learn more about the position.

Contact

Scintillation Materials Research Center
Chuck Melcher, Director
301 Science and Engineering Research Facility
Phone: 865-974-0254
Fax: 865-974-4998
Email: SMRC@utk.edu

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