[en] A novel class of scintillating materials, which are nanocomposites of known scintillators, is described. These nanocomposite materials are expected to have improved properties with respect to the properties of the bulk scintillators from which they are derived. Improvements include enhanced light output, reduced cost and greater size scalability. Optical properties of the nanocomposite phosphor components are described, with emphasis on the origin of the enhanced light yield. Finally, results from our first nanocomposite scintillator, including photopeak measurements, are described. The photopeak measurements demonstrate the proof-of-principle of the nanocomposite scintillator concept

[en] Measurement of the neutron capture cross-sections of a number of short-lived isotopes would advance both pure and applied scientific research. These cross-sections are needed for calculation of criticality and waste production estimates for the Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative, for analysis of data from nuclear weapons tests, and to improve understanding of nucleosynthesis. However, measurement of these cross-sections would require a detector with a faster signal decay time than those used in existing neutron capture experiments. Crystals of faster detector materials are not available in sufficient sizes and quantities to supply these large-scale experiments. Instead, we propose to use nanocomposite detectors, consisting of nanoscale particles of a scintillating material dispersed in a matrix material. We have successfully fabricated cerium fluoride (CeF₃) nanoparticles and dispersed them in a liquid matrix. We have characterized this scintillator and have measured its response to neutron capture. Results of the optical, structural, and radiation characterization will be presented.