PhD Studentship: Dynamic material classification in security using fast scintillators

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded by industry. The funding covers tuition fees and provides a stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/24). The start date is 1st October 2024. This funding is for UK applicants, and those with settles status.

The Nuclear Physics Group at Manchester are collaborating with an industrial partner in Rapiscan Systems aiming to improve X-ray transmission imaging technologies.

State of the Art security screening applications utilize techniques of X-ray transmission imaging to generate high-penetrating, high-resolution images of cargo, vehicles and pallets. The data capture process mimics that adopted in the medical CT industry, as well as the baggage and parcel inspection industry, where a very simple and cost-effective solution is required. 

The aim of this project is to push the boundary on material classification capabilities of occupied vehicle scanners by coupling fast scintillating crystals with state-of-the-art SiPMs to improve energy selection. The proposed developments aim to enhance the ability for X-ray transmission imagers to identify illicit materials. 

The PhD study will involve the theoretical simulation of X-ray signal capture within the high-speed detector assembly. The data will be used to influence the hardware design of the scintillator coupled to the SiPM. Experimental data will be captured in the Rapiscan X-ray Test facility and material classification, as well as other image performance metrics, will be analyzed to demonstrate any enhanced performance. The final solution will impact the image engine of future car scanner technology.

A minimum of a 2i class UK Masters honours degree or international equivalent is required or a first degree with an additional Masters degree or international equivalent.

Please contact Dr David Sharp before you apply (david.sharp@manchester.ac.uk).

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