RADIATION MONITORING DEVICES, INC. — Department of Energy SBIR Phase II: C51-13a

Description

RMD will address this challenge by integrating X-ray scintillator into material of high thermal conductivity to dissipate the intense localized heat. The scintillators will be fabricated using an economic process. The proposed scintillator will be tailored to achieve high performance while providing excellent X-ray absorption over a wide X-ray energy range. This approach has numerous unique advantages and will effectively address specific needs of LCLS II. The Phase I research demonstrated feasibility of our approach through (1) sensor design and simulations, (2) fabrication of sensors and characterization studies, (3) assembling prototype detector and performing evaluations at XFEL beam line, and (4) demonstrating high thermal conductivity and high-resolution using hard X-rays. Worked closely with the DOE program officials through periodic reviews for planning translation of this transformative technology into their application space. The goal of the Phase II is to develop a high thermal conductivity scintillator and conduct testing under realistic field conditions with the help from our SLAC collaborators. The key areas of development will include the scintillator fabrication process optimization and thorough evaluation of scintillators at desired X-ray beam power at XFEL. The SLAC experiments will also elucidate on the sensor performance variance with integral X-ray dose, defect generation and associated processes if any, and overall longevity of each sensor. Thus, successful development of the proposed scintillator will enable new avenues of research using LCLS II that benefit the public. For instance, in the development of new drugs (including COVID-19 related work), materials, and systems, all of which directly impact health care, our quality of life, and the widening of the US technology base. This work will also lead to advancements of technologies with significant commercial impact and will help maintain our nation’s technological edge over competing nations.