Detecting ionizing radiation with novel opaque scintillators

Present and future challenges in nuclear safeguards demand innovations in detection instrumentation and techniques. This talk will highlight an emerging approach to detecting ionizing radiation with opaque scintillators referred to as LiquidO. The use of short scattering length in LiquidO scintillators stochastically constrains the emitted photons to a small volume where they were generated. Interaction topology in the detector volume can be reconstructed with excellent spatial resolution by the use of an array of wavelength-shifting fibers. Inspired by the challenging requirements for detecting reactor antineutrinos, LiquidO can relax material doping constraints and be functionalized for a wide range of applications. This talk will highlight recent progress in the development of LiquidO detectors, focusing on the spectroscopic and self-segmenting performance of small prototypes, setting the foundation for their evolution toward practical use in nuclear safeguards and security.