Scintillators.ZIPI've recently located a manufacturer of inorganic scintillator phosphors if anyone is interested in roll your own plastic scintillators: Phosphor Technology . Gerry Sorce (Company CEO) was able to provide a small sample of zinc silicate:manganese doped phosphor to test in polystyrene and polyester plastics. This material emits a narrow peak at 525 nm so it should be ideal for use with a PM tube.
They also manufacture silver doped zinc sulphide similar to that used in Bicron BC-720 scintillator material, so it should be possible to come up with a more economical substitute with similar performance, cheaper than the USD $450 for a 5 inch polystyrene disk of the stuff.
I'm attaching a list and properties of the various phosphors (ZnS:Ag is pretty nasty if swallowed) in case anyone is also interested. I will keep you posted about any results I have once I get the photomultiplier assembly built and working. I would also be interested in hearing from anyone willing to share a purchase of say ZnS:Ag as the prices drop rapidly once quantities over 500 grams are purchased. Also I would be very interested learning any physical dimensions of the phosphor spacing rings in BC-720 material.
regards Mark Harriss
Created on Friday, February 09, 2001 2:17 AM EDT by Mark G Harriss