The Material Properties of CsSnBr₃ and CsBr:Sn-1% and Their Potential as Scintillator Detector Material

Author

Neal B. Kleinschmidt

Date of Award

3-10-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Benjamin R. Kowash, PhD.

Abstract

The search for superior nuclear radiation detection materials is ongoing. Current scintillator materials using Thallium doped Sodium Iodide or Cesium Iodide are the benchmarks for ease of use and quick identification of isotope species. This research aims to explore Cesium Bromide doped with 1% molar tin (CsBr:Sn-1%) and Cesium Tin Bromide (CsSnBr₃) as candidate materials for a new scintillator. The techniques of Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS), X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and Cathodoluminescence are used to determine the suit- ability of CsSnBr3 and CsBr:Sn-1% with Sn⁴⁺ as a potential scintillator materials and explore their crystal and electronic structures. Comparisons with current published work by Savchyn et al. [2007] on CsSnBr₃ and CsBr:Sn-1% with Sn²⁺ will be made. Cathodoluminescence shows the CsBr:Sn-1% with Sn⁴⁺ to luminesce at 2.4-eV and 3.0-eV, green and violet respectively, indicating the strong possibility of using CsBr:Sn-1% as a scintillator.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GNE-ENP-10-M05

DTIC Accession Number

ADA516750

Recommended Citation

Kleinschmidt, Neal B., "The Material Properties of CsSnBr₃ and CsBr:Sn-1% and Their Potential as Scintillator Detector Material" (2010). Theses and Dissertations. 2180.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/2180