Method and apparatus for creating coherent bundle of scintillating fibers

Abstract

A method and apparatus to manufacture a coherent bundle of scintillating fibers is disclosed. In the method and apparatus, a polymer matrix of a transparent polymer and nanoparticle scintillators is placed on top of a collimated bundle having a plurality of capillaries and pressed in a pressure vessel until the polymer matrix is forced into the capillaries. Pressure is applied via an anvil on top of the polymer matrix. To prevent fracturing of the collimated bundle during pressing, back pressure is supplied to the pressure vessel via a valve, which controls a supply of high pressure gas. Alternatively, the back pressure may also be supplied by a press (and or pressure) and support to the collimated bundle is provided by a high melting point thermoplastic. Heat may be applied to the polymer matrix via the anvil to speed the pressing operation due to the viscosity of the polymer.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A coherent bundle of scintillating fibers, comprising:
 a collimated bundle comprising a glass preform having a plurality of capillaries therethrough, the capillaries having a diameter of about 1-15 microns;   the capillaries infused with a polymer matrix of scintillating nanoparticles and a transparent polymer.   
     
     
         14 . The coherent bundle of  claim 13 , wherein the diameter of the capillaries is about 1-5 microns. 
     
     
         15 . The coherent bundle of  claim 13 , wherein the capillaries have a circular dimension. 
     
     
         16 . The coherent bundle of  claim 13 , wherein the capillaries have a hexagonal dimension. 
     
     
         17 . The coherent bundle of  claim 13 , wherein the scintillating nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of LaBr(3):Ce, LSO:Ce and GdAlO(3):Ce. 
     
     
         18 . The coherent bundle of  claim 13 , wherein the polymer is a thermoplastic. 
     
     
         19 . The coherent bundle of  claim 13 , wherein the polymer is selected from the group consisting of polystyrene, nylon and polypropylene.