Inrad Optics, a leading US-based manufacturer of crystalline materials, optical components and photonic devices, received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to support development of neutron imaging technology.
The detection and imaging of neutrons is a critical capability for nuclear nonproliferation applications that require identification of plutonium and uranium. There is growing interest in fieldable, pixelated fast neutron detectors which permit gamma discrimination. Additional applications exist in research, nuclear power, and nuclear security. Scintinel stilbene, an organic scintillator produced by Inrad Optics, exhibits superior performance for neutron detection and has been used successfully by researchers in academia, industry, and national laboratories. SBIR funding from DOE will facilitate new applications in neutron imaging through the development of pixelated stilbene arrays coupled to silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs).
“We are continually inspired by innovations our customers have demonstrated using stilbene,” said Dr. Candace Lynch, Director of Crystal Growth. “We are grateful for this support from DOE and are excited to develop pixelated stilbene arrays to meet the needs of our customers investigating neutron imaging technologies.”
This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, National Nuclear Security Administration, under award number DE-SC0020743. This support does not constitute an express or implied endorsement on the part of the Government.
Inrad Optics
www.inradoptics.com
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