Development and Characterization of Digital Light Processing-Based 3D-Printed Plastic Scintillator for Radiation Detection

The advent of 3D printing technology has provided an efficient method for producing complex plastic scintillator geometries, reducing both costs and manufacturing time. In this study, high-aromatic content plastic scintillators were fabricated using Digital Light Processing (DLP)-based 3D printing. The effects of 2,5-Diphenyloxazole (PPO) concentration and various acrylic co-monomers on decay time, light output, and Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) were analyzed. The fabricated scintillators showed better timing characteristics than EJ-200 and commercially available PSD-capable plastics. Light output of up to 70% of EJ-200 was achieved in samples with 30% PPO, and a PSD Figure of Merit of 1.55 was demonstrated. Light output was enhanced by printing thicker individual layers as internal scattering was reduced, while surface polishing had minimal effect. Stability tests showed less than 5% degradation in light output over six months, indicating potential for sustained use.