This book is a comprehensive guide to the state-of-the-art science and technology involved in the analysis and development of gamma-ray nuclear materials for commercial, medical, industrial, military and space applications. It reviews the current and upcoming materials and material-based technologies for gamma-ray detectors, as well as their growth process in various forms, such as single crystals, films, and ceramics.

Presenting the complete lifecycle of the crystalline sensor materials involved in radiation detection, and including recipes for bulk crystal growth, the book focuses on third generation crystals and their related advances. Unique in its scope, it covers the fundamentals, applications, and latest research results in the rapidly expanding field of scintillating radiation detectors, resulting in a cohesive overview of the essential concepts and theoretical background of the field, with a particular emphasis on recent developments.

Thoroughly compiled, this reference text is ideal for graduate students, engineers, technicians, scientists and managers. It brings to both novice and advanced readers all the topics required to jump-start investigations on gamma-ray materials and their growth.

Professor Batra has more than 30 years of experience in solid-state physics and its various applications. A recipient of a NASA Group Achievement Award and the Alabama A&M University School of Arts and Sciences Researcher of the Year award, he has published over 200 publications, including four books, book chapters, proceedings, review articles, and NASA TMs. He has been on the faculty at Alabama A&M University since 1984 in the Physics Department, where his experience in research and teaching have provided him the knowledge to be a domain expert in the radiation detectors subject area.