PNIPAM microgel coatings of LiF crystal radiation detectors

Thin films of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels have recently attracted significant attention as promising candidates for creating switchable interfaces in biomedical and biotechnological applications. In this study, microgel films are proposed as smart coatings for photoluminescent solid-state radiation detectors based on lithium fluoride (LiF). Understanding the impact of the solid substrate is crucial for customising and refining microgel coatings for specific applications. To investigate the effects of surface quality, microgel size, and particle concentration on the properties of microgel films, PNIPAM microgels were spin-coated onto LiF crystal surfaces and characterised through wettability measurements, UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry, and Atomic Force Microscopy. This approach enabled effective control over the optical and morphological properties of the films, paving the way for the development of hybrid and potentially biocompatible radiation detectors using PNIPAM microgel films.