ABSTRACT
Glass-ceramic scintillators are a field rich in research opportunities and potential applications. The chapter leads the reader in the direction of potential exploration routes to improve such materials so that they may be used commercially. The work described here encompasses novel X-ray, g-ray, a-particle, and neutron scintillator materials based on glass ceramics. Synthesis methods, characterization, and applications, including medical and
homeland security, are discussed. These materials have enormous potential owing to their ability to accept a broad range of elemental compositions, protect normally hygroscopic crystalline materials, and be cast in almost any shape or size. Consequently, the materials have a great future in radiation devices and are also attractive for fundamental science studies.
