ARI-SA: Nuclear Radiation Detectors Based on Colloidal Nanocrystals

University Of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM

Investigators

Abstract

0736241 Osinski This ARI project is aimed at development of novel rare-earth halide scintillating nanocrystals (NCs). A Colloidal synthesis approach will be used to prepare the NCs in reverse-micelle nanoreactors. To prevent deleterious effects of water vapor on the NCs, all handling of chemicals and reaction products will be performed in an Ar-filled glovebox with <0.1 ppm levels of H2O and O2. The reaction itself will also be carried out in Ar atmosphere. To protect hygroscopic cores, higher-bandgap water-resistant shells will be grown. The strong supportive infrastructure existing at UNM will be utilized, emphasizing institutional commitment to recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups. Students supported by the existing NSF-funded programs, such as the GK-12 on Graduate Teaching Fellows in K-12 Optics and Photonics Education and by the IGERT on Integrative Nanoscience and Microsystems at UNM will be given opportunity to work on the project.