Content of research

The Gd2Si2O7: Ce (GPS) single crystal scintillator has excellent features such as high luminescence (1.4 times that of NaI:Tl), high energy resolution, non-tidal and no self-radioactivity, and can be used in high temperature environments of 250°C or higher. The technology has been transferred to Oxide Corporation, and is now ready for use in SPECT and other applications. We have also established a stable manufacturing technology for 5 cm square GPS sintered plates. By combining a position sensitive photomultiplier tube, it is now possible to detect nuclear fuel materials emitting alpha rays, which were released in the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, with high sensitivity. The prototype device succeeded in detecting nuclear fuel-induced α-ray-emitting radionuclides in an environment with nuclear fuel-induced α-ray-emitting radionuclides: natural radioactivity (radon progeny) = 1:200, which had been inconceivable with conventional devices.

Potential for social implementation

• ・Can be used in high temperature environments of 250°C or higher as a γ-ray probe for underground resource exploration
• ・SPECT/PET equipment for the heart and small animals
• ・On-site detection of plutonium

Appealing points to industry and local governments

We are engaged in vertically integrated manufacturing related to radiation measurement, ranging from the development of new radiation measurement materials such as diamonds, compound semiconductors and oxide scintillators to the development of measurement systems. We are also cooperating in decommissioning and reconstruction projects in Fukushima.