Abstract: A scintillator material according to one embodiment includes a polymer matrix; a primary dye in the polymer matrix, the primary dye being a fluorescent dye, the primary dye being present in an amount of 3 wt % or more; and at least one component in the polymer matrix, the component being selected from a group consisting of B, Li, Gd, a B-containing compound, a Li-containing compound and a Gd-containing compound, wherein the scintillator material exhibits an optical response signature for thermal neutrons that is different than an optical response signature for fast neutrons and gamma rays. A system according to one embodiment includes a scintillator material as disclosed herein and a photodetector for detecting the response of the material to fast neutron, thermal neutron and gamma ray irradiation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a scintillator includes a scintillator material; a primary fluor, and a Li-containing compound, where the Li-containing compound is soluble in the primary fluor, and where the scintillator exhibits an optical response signature for thermal neutrons that is different than an optical response signature for fast neutrons and gamma rays.

Abstract: A sensor for high explosives, comprising a thin layer of fluorescent polymer covalently linked to a silica support with an oxide surface. The support preferably is a silica support, and in a preferred embodiment is a silica chromatographic support. In preferred embodiments, the fluorescent polymer is one or a few monolayers. A preferred embodiment sensor for high explosives is fluorescent polymer within or upon a porous nanostructure. In preferred embodiments the nanostructure is a porous silica nanoparticle. Embodiments of the invention provide methods, sensors, sensor kits, and sensor fabrication processes that enable detecting traces of high explosives by fluorescence quenching in combination with a chromatographic separation. A method for forming a sensor for high explosives includes preparing a fluorescent polymer, capping the reactive polymer with a reactive capping group that covalently reacts with hydroxide groups, and reacting the reactive capping group with surface hydroxides of an oxide support.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a scintillator includes a scintillator material; a primary fluor, and a Li-containing compound, where the Li-containing compound is soluble in the primary fluor, and where the scintillator exhibits an optical response signature for thermal neutrons that is different than an optical response signature for fast neutrons and gamma rays.

Abstract: A sensor for high explosives, comprising a thin layer of fluorescent polymer covalently linked to a silica support with an oxide surface. The support preferably is a silica support, and in a preferred embodiment is a silica chromatographic support. In preferred embodiments, the fluorescent polymer is one or a few monolayers. A preferred embodiment sensor for high explosives is fluorescent polymer within or upon a porous nanostructure. In preferred embodiments the nanostructure is a porous silica nanoparticle. Embodiments of the invention provide methods, sensors, sensor kits, and sensor fabrication processes that enable detecting traces of high explosives by fluorescence quenching in combination with a chromatographic separation. A method for forming a sensor for high explosives includes preparing a fluorescent polymer, capping the reactive polymer with a reactive capping group that covalently reacts with hydroxide groups, and reacting the reactive capping group with surface hydroxides of an oxide support.

Abstract: A scintillator material according to one embodiment includes a polymer matrix; a primary dye in the polymer matrix, the primary dye being a fluorescent dye, the primary dye being present in an amount of 3 wt % or more; and at least one component in the polymer matrix, the component being selected from a group consisting of B, Li, Gd, a B-containing compound, a Li-containing compound and a Gd-containing compound, wherein the scintillator material exhibits an optical response signature for thermal neutrons that is different than an optical response signature for fast neutrons and gamma rays. A system according to one embodiment includes a scintillator material as disclosed herein and a photodetector for detecting the response of the material to fast neutron, thermal neutron and gamma ray irradiation.