Plastic scintillating fibers (PSF)

PSF is a type of plastic optical fiber developed in the 1980s as a radiation-detecting material using Kuraray’s unique manufacturing method. The fibers have a multiple (single-layer or double-layer) structure consisting of a polystyrene core (inner side) with a fluorescent agent and a methacrylate cladding (outer side), causing them to emit light when stimulated by radiation. Kuraray has continuously supplied its PSF to numerous research institutions and made improvements in quality, such as optical performance and dimensional precision, based on its accumulation of technologies. As a result, Kuraray’s PSF have been used as radiation-detecting materials for 20 years. As the de facto standard in radiation-detecting materials, including for Cosmic rays, they are used in research of neutrinos and quarks, and played a role in the discovery of the Higgs boson. Another potential application is as a material for use in research for the detection of dark matter, a current trend in astrophysics. In addition, PSF are utilized in the D-phod system for measuring the gamma ray dose rate that was developed by Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd., and are expected to be useful in checking for contamination by radioactive substances.