Researchers have completed a simulation-based feasibility study for a single-device Phoswich detector designed for mixed-radiation monitoring. This type of detector is capable of simultaneously identifying and quantifying alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) radiation in the same environment. The main innovation lies in integrating multiple scintillator materials with different response times into a single, compact package, which simplifies instrumentation and improves efficiency in discriminating radiation types.

The proposed Phoswich detector utilizes a layered configuration of scintillators that emit light characteristically when interacting with different types of radiation. By analyzing the shape of the resulting light signal (pulse shape discrimination), it is possible to distinguish between α, β, and γ particle interactions. This approach is crucial in environments where multiple radiation sources coexist, such as in nuclear facilities, medical applications, or environmental monitoring, where precise identification of each component is essential for safety and source characterization.

The simulation results demonstrate the Phoswich design's capability to perform high-resolution spectroscopy for each radiation type. Key parameters such as detection efficiency, energy resolution, and discrimination capability were evaluated, showing promising performance. This study lays the groundwork for the experimental development of a prototype, which could lead to more compact, versatile, and efficient radiation monitoring systems in the future, reducing the need for multiple specialized detectors and simplifying the complexity of current systems.