CAPESYM INC — Department of Homeland Security SBIR Phase II: Successful growth of novel halide scintillators SrI2:Eu and CLYC depends on a supply of hi

CAPESYM INC — SBIR Phase II award from Department of Homeland Security.

Amount
$998,063
Agency
Department of Homeland Security
Program / Phase
SBIR · Phase II
Solicitation
HSHQDC-12-R-00052
NAICS
Place of performance
MA
Period
2013-08-12 → 2015-07-31

Description

Successful growth of novel halide scintillators SrI2:Eu and CLYC depends on a supply of highly pure precursor materials. CapeSym and SAFC have partnered to develop a thorough understanding of the factors that influence purity, and techniques to reduce these impurity levels in SrI2:Eu and CLYC precursors. Novel processing and crystal growth experiments at CapeSym, and materials characterization at SAFC-Hitech will be used to assess the impact of purification techniques. Technologies will be transferred to SAFC-Hitech for implementation into production processes. In parallel we will conduct market research and pricing analysis to better estimate volumes needed to meet DHS requirements. Anticipated benefits include: • increased understanding of binary-halide contamination issues • improved precursor processing techniques • improved scintillator performance • a roadmap for attaining precursor cost reduction