Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

This research program consists of a strategy to improve scintillation detector capabilities to enhance nuclear safety and security. It was initiated in 2010 at the University Of Ontario Institute Of Technology to investigate the fundamental proprieties of novel radiation sensors and develop new algorithms for online radiation spectrometry and dosimetry. The rationale for this program is: 1) to fill the need of new technologies for the next generation of radiation detection instrumentation 2) to implement this technology to enhance the national security, non proliferation and occupational safety in nuclear industry 3) to train and engage radiation science and nuclear engineering students in the field of health physics, radiation and nuclear sciences. Adding to my teaching activities related to radiation and nuclear technologies at UOIT, over the next five years, I plan to: 1) to continue investigating the characteristics and proprieties of new radiation sensors with the possibility of growing them in Canada 2) investigate the possibility to incorporate different materials to produce highly sensitive sensors for simultaneous detection of different types of radiation 3) develop empirical algorithms for dose calculation and spectrum analysis and 4) collaborate with industry and provide the needed nuclear data for industrial implementation. Approach: The scientific approach consists of: 1) Modeling the optical properties of scintillators 2) conducting experimental studies and benchmark the models using the recently established applied radiation lab at UOIT and 3) develop empirical algorithms to calculate dosimetric and spectrometric quantities to compensate for the physical property limitations of the sensors. Novelty: This research program has a primary novelty associated with the implementation of new approach to develop accurate, efficient and rapid radiation detection systems. The second novelty is that these sensors are flexible for implementation in small devices as well as in large integrated systems and finally they can simultaneously detect different type of radiation.