LiAlO₂:Gd-Based Versatile and Ultrasensitive Detector for Gamma and Neutrons by Thermal and Optical Stimulation

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Radiation Detection
• Medical Physics

Background:

• Accurate detection of low-level neutron and gamma radiation is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
• Developing sensitive and reliable dosimeters is essential for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and investigate the properties of a novel phosphor, Lithium Aluminum Oxide doped with Gadolinium (LiAlO2:Gd).
• To evaluate the potential of LiAlO2:Gd for detecting low-dose neutron and gamma radiation in medical dosimetry applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of LiAlO2:Gd phosphor.
• Experimental verification of sensitivity to beta, gamma, and neutron radiation in both thermally stimulated and optically stimulated modes.
• Kinetic parametric evaluation supported by theoretical calculations.

Main Results:

• LiAlO2:Gd exhibits sensitivity to both gamma and thermal neutrons due to the presence of Lithium (Li) and Gadolinium (Gd).
• The phosphor demonstrates high sensitivity at low energy and dose, with a minimum detectable dose of 5.7 μSv for gamma and 92 μSv for thermal neutrons.
• Experimental results were validated through kinetic parametric evaluation and theoretical calculations.

Conclusions:

• LiAlO2:Gd is a highly sensitive phosphor suitable for detecting low-level radiation.
• Its ability to detect and discriminate between gamma and thermal neutrons makes it a potential material for medical dosimetry in cancer therapy.