Hello RLWG Team,
I wanted to contact you regarding an innovative project I am independently conducting on the analysis and visualization of space radiation data. The bioluminescent-based radiation detection system I have developed could provide significant data for human exploration. I would be pleased to discuss how we could potentially create synergy with your work.
Thank you for your attention.
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Thanks for posting @Sevdeckll
Pinging the @RLWG and the Chair @kirill
Also few others who may be interested @j_miller @svcostes @nstoffle @lauren.sanders
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Hello,
Looks interesting ! How can we Help ?
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Iām quite curious now, can we know more about it ?
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Hello @Lilian, Iām glad my project caught your interest! I am using the element thorium to enhance the interaction of radiation and a specially synthesized zeolite material as the detection surface to achieve more efficient detection. I believe this combination presents a novel detection principle. Iām curious in which areas you might be able to assist.
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Hello @gnt-alan, thank you! The aim of my project is to develop a portable and low-cost system that will enable the real-time and accurate measurement of radiation in space missions. The system detects radiation through the luminescence it creates on the zeolite surface, and I aim to optimize this process with thorium. Is there a specific aspect that interests you?
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Iām really interested in how youāre planning to optimize the process with thorium ! Also, how portable are you aiming for the system to be ?
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Hello @gnt-alan, thank you for your curiosity! Regarding thorium optimization, my aim is to find the ideal amount and application method of thorium that will most efficiently trigger the light response of zeolite to radiation. Regarding portability, I am targeting a low power consumption and compact design so that the system can be integrated into various spacecraft and even be suitable for personal use by astronauts.
To determine the ideal amount and application method of thorium to most efficiently trigger the light response of zeolite to radiation, we need to understand the interplay between:
Thoriumās radioactive properties (primarily alpha radiation),
Zeoliteās photoluminescent or scintillating response, and
Material interactions that influence energy transfer and light emission.
- Fundamentals
Thorium (especially ^232Th) emits alpha particles during decay.
Zeolites are porous aluminosilicates; some types exhibit luminescence when activated by radiation (if doped or combined with certain ions or rare earth elements).
Alpha radiation doesnāt penetrate far; it interacts intensely with nearby matter, so proximity and dispersion are key.
- Ideal Amount of Thorium
The āidealā amount balances:
Maximizing the local radiation flux,
Avoiding self-shielding (too much thorium absorbs its own radiation),
Preventing material degradation or saturation of the luminescent response.
Experimental studies suggest:
0.1ā1% by weight of thorium in a zeolite matrix is typically effective for triggering a scintillating response without quenching it.
This depends on:
Type of zeolite (e.g., clinoptilolite, faujasite),
Dopants (e.g., EuĀ³āŗ, CeĀ³āŗ) to enhance light response,
Whether the zeolite is in crystal, powder, or film form.
- Application Method
The most efficient method ensures intimate contact between thorium and zeolite:
a. Ion exchange:
Soak zeolite in a thorium nitrate (Th(NOā)ā) solution.
Thorium ions replace cations in the zeolite.
Followed by drying and gentle heating to fix the ions.
b. Impregnation and calcination:
Mix thorium salt solution with zeolite.
Dry and calcine (heat-treat) at 400ā600Ā°C to embed thorium into the structure.
c. Co-precipitation or sol-gel synthesis:
Thorium and zeolite precursors are mixed and precipitated together.
Leads to uniform dispersion but more complex to control.
d. Physical mixing:
Simple mixing of thorium oxide (ThOā) powder and zeolite.
Less efficient due to limited contact and uneven dispersion.
Best method overall: Ion exchange, because it:
Achieves atomic-scale dispersion of thorium,
Maximizes radiation interaction with the zeolite matrix,
Avoids thorium clustering that can cause self-shielding.
- Enhancement Tips
Use rare-earth doped zeolites (e.g., Eu-doped) to enhance luminescence.
Test in vacuum or inert atmosphere to reduce radiation absorption by air.
Thin films or pellets optimize surface-to-volume ratio for light detection.
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Portable Implementation Protocol
- Format the Material
After ion exchange and drying (and optionally calcination), shape or embed the thorium-zeolite into one of the following:
a. Pressed Pellet
Press zeolite powder into a pellet or disc using a hydraulic press (3ā10 tons pressure).
Bind with a non-reactive binder like PTFE or silica gel if needed.
Diameter: 1ā2 cm; Thickness: ~2ā3 mm (ideal for PMT coupling).
b. Embedded in Polymer Matrix
Mix thorium-loaded zeolite into optically clear epoxy or silicone resin.
Pour into molds to make a disc or block.
This protects the zeolite, prevents dusting, and makes it durable.
Note: Some optical loss, but much more robust and portable.
c. Thin Film on Substrate
Coat a thin layer of thorium-zeolite paste (zeolite + small amount of ethanol/water) onto a glass slide, quartz plate, or plastic substrate.
Dry and optionally seal under transparent layer (optical epoxy or lamination).
Works well if youāre integrating into an optical sensor array or wearable.
- Encapsulation
To ensure radiation safety, dust control, and environmental protection:
Encase the pellet or film in a clear acrylic or quartz housing.
For even more security: embed the sample inside a sealed capsule with a transparent window (e.g., quartz lens).
Optional: line the interior with reflective foil (like Al or TiOā-coated mylar) to improve photon collection.
- Coupling with Photodetector
To read out the light signal:
Couple the sample directly to a photomultiplier tube (PMT), SiPM, or photodiode.
Use optical coupling gel or grease to reduce reflection losses.
Compact modules like the Hamamatsu H10721-20 PMT are ideal for portable setups.
- Power & Data
Integrate the detector with a battery-powered microcontroller (Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico, ESP32) to:
Record light signals,
Trigger alerts,
Log data for radiation monitoring or scientific use.
- Bonus Ideas for Field Use
Attach magnets or Velcro for quick placement.
Add radiation shielding on one side to direct exposure.
Use a swappable cartridge system to change zeolite types or dopants.
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Of note on the @RLWG
@kirill leads the group, but it is the newest AWG, and doesnāt have a set mtg time yet
Here is the RadLab portal: RadLab > Overview
And here is the paper on the RL portal:
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