Fundamental processes and recent development of organic scintillators

Overview of organic scintillators is provided with an emphasis on the fundamental processes of ionization, recombination, and excitation energy transfer. Upon recombination, both singlet and triplet excited states are formed in organic scintillators. Their contribution to scintillation is discussed in detail. From a viewpoint of material development, use of novel polymers, fluorescent molecules, and fabrication techniques is overviewed. In addition to the conventional forms of crystalline, liquid, and plastic scintillators, recent development of organic glass scintillators is introduced. In addition, material design to enhance energy transfer efficiency and to effectively use triplet excited states is discussed. Finally, prospects on the use unexplored excited states by monitoring the dynamics of ionization and excitation are provided. • Organic crystalline, glass, liquid, and plastic scintillators are reviewed. • Fundamental scintillation processes are introduced. • Recent development of novel materials is reviewed.