The overall goal of this program is to develop aproduction method and optimal composition for CsIBr (cesiumiodide/bromide) and CsIC1 (cesium iodide/chloride) scintillatorsfor high-rate applications. The fast emission of light for pureCsI is well known. However these emissions are generated at ~305nm. For this reason, light collection needs the use ofphotomultiplier tubes (PMT) with quartz windows, whichsignificantly increases the cost of experiments. Experimentsconducted in the former USSR show that partial substitution ofthe anion (I) in CsI crystals to the Br or C1 will increase thewavelength of the emitted light with very little change in thedecay constant. This makes possible the collection of light withregular PMT. In Phase I, this project will evaluate theapplication of the horizontal Bridgman method combined with zone reflning for the production of CsIBr and CsIC1 scintillators forhigh-rate application. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Development of the technology forproduction of CsIBr and CsIC1 scintillators will increase thecapabilities of nuclear physics experiments. It is possible thatthese fast scintillators will find an application in positronemission tomography. Also the horizontal Bridgman method isexpected to improve the quality and reduce production costs forCsI(T1) which is now grown by the vertical Bridgman method.
