Development of advanced scintillation materials for next generation radiation dosimetry and health monitoring

Detecting X-ray radiation by the scintillation light is one of the oldest techniques on record, yet it remains one of the most useful dosimetry methods.

This PhD will focus on developing the discovery of advanced scintillator materials in Manchester since the chemical structure and composition of the scintillator can be fine-tuned to match the radiation type of interest and its energy characteristics.

The PhD student will repeat the synthesis of the best Manchester materials and develop new variants of luminophores, followed up by screening to identify the best and most promising materials based on the optical X-ray luminescence technique.

The portfolio of scintillation materials will be explored to establish fundamental structure-property correlations between the molecular design and radiation-induced photoluminescence response.

Key photophysical parameters (the excited state lifetimes & quantum yields) will be determined and compared with the industry standards to evaluate the application potential.

The results will provide an evidence-based rationale for further optimising scintillating materials for radiation detection.