Distance dependent quenching and gamma-ray spectroscopy in tin-loaded polystyrene scintillators

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 2016 · IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TNS.2015.2510960· OSTI ID:1251632

Feng, Patrick L ^[1]; Mengesha, Wondwosen ^[1]; Anstey, Mitchell R. ^[1]; Cordaro, Joseph Gabriel ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)

In this study, we report the synthesis and inclusion of rationally designed organotin compounds in polystyrene matrices as a route towards plastic scintillators capable of gamma-ray spectroscopy. Tin loading ratios of up to 15% w/w have been incorporated, resulting in photopeak energy resolution values as low as 10.9% for 662 keV gamma-rays. Scintillator constituents were selected based upon a previously reported distance-dependent quenching mechanism. Data obtained using UV-Vis and photoluminescence measurements are consistent with this phenomenon and are correlated with the steric and electronic properties of the respective organotin complexes. We also report fast scintillation decay behavior that is comparable to the quenched scintillators 0.5% trans-stilbene doped bibenzyl and the commercial plastic scintillator BC-422Q-1%. These observations are discussed in the context of practical considerations such as optical transparency, ease-of-preparation/scale-up, and total scintillator cost.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1251632
• Report Number(s): SAND--2015-5098J; 594709
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 63; ISSN 0018-9499
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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