Enhancing plastic scintillator performance through advanced injection molding techniques

Abstract

The production of plastic scintillators with superior optical properties, including high light yield and optimal emission spectra, plays a pivotal role in facilitating their extensive applicability across various domains. In addition, ensuring robust radiation hardness is essential for these scintillators to serve diverse purposes effectively. Given the significant impact of the optical gap on the optical characteristics and radiation resistance of scintillator products, we embarked on optimizing the injection molding technique, focusing on this critical parameter as part of the plastic scintillator fabrication process. Our findings indicate that the injection molding technique not only accelerates the fabrication process, but also yields products with comparable light yield and improved radiation hardness, outperforming samples produced by traditional thermal polymerization. These outcomes not only offer valuable insights and guidance for the streamlined production of high-quality plastic scintillators but also signify a notable advancement in this specialized field of study.