High-Density Glass Scintillators for Proton Radiography-Relative Luminosity, Proton Response, and Spatial Resolution

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Proton radiography is advancing proton therapy.
• Developing optimal detector materials is crucial for proton radiography arrays.
• High-density glass scintillators offer potential for improved spatial resolution and reduced detector thickness.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate novel glass scintillators for proton radiography detectors.
• Characterize scintillator properties including luminosity, ionization quenching, and spatial resolution.
• Identify ideal scintillator materials for next-generation proton radiography systems.

Main Methods:

• Proton response measurements were conducted on various scintillators.
• Monte Carlo simulations were employed to model scintillator behavior.
• Birks's analytical model was used to correct for ionization quenching.

Main Results:

• Relative luminosity increased with higher concentrations of europium or terbium activators.
• Europium-activated samples exhibited higher relative luminosity.
• Increased glass density correlated with potential for more compact detectors and enhanced spatial resolution.

Conclusions:

• A tungsten and gadolinium oxide-based glass scintillator activated with 4% europium is a promising candidate.
• This material demonstrates potential for improved performance in proton radiography detectors.
• Further testing in full-size detectors is recommended.