Rastgo Hawrami, Xtallized Intelligence, United States
Professional Profile
Summary
Dr. Rastgo Hawrami is a distinguished physicist specializing in materials science and radiation detection. With a robust academic foundation and over two decades of hands-on experience in advanced scintillator and semiconductor crystal growth, he has contributed significantly to national security, medical imaging, and nuclear detection technologies. His career bridges academia and industry, with achievements marked by innovation, scientific rigor, and leadership in crystal engineering.
Educational Details
Dr. Hawrami began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Physics from Salahaddin University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (1994–1997). He continued his studies in the United States, earning an M.A. in Physics from the Fisk-Vanderbilt program (2002–2004). His academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. in Physics (Materials Science) from Alabama A&M University (2005–2008), where he also served as a teaching assistant and research scholar.
Professional Experience
Currently a Research Professor at Fisk University (2017–present), Dr. Hawrami has developed cutting-edge laboratories and secured multiple federal research grants. Simultaneously, as Director of R&D at Xtallized Intelligence, Inc., he leads SBIR-funded projects to develop advanced scintillators. Previously, he served as Senior Scientist and Program Manager at RMD, where he pioneered the growth of high-performance scintillator crystals such as SrI₂:Eu and CLLBC. His career also includes roles at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he innovated CZT detector fabrication techniques, and multiple roles at Fisk and Vanderbilt Universities focused on crystal growth and materials characterization.
Research Interests
Dr. Hawrami’s research is centered on the synthesis and optimization of inorganic scintillator materials for radiation detection. His work explores dual-mode scintillators for gamma-neutron detection, ceramic scintillator materials, semiconductor growth, and radiation detector fabrication. He has extensively studied elpasolite crystals, zone refining, and novel compounds doped with Eu, Ce, Yb, and other rare earth elements.
Author Metrics
Rastgo Hawrami has contributed extensively to the field of advanced scintillator materials, focusing on the growth and characterization of thallium-based halide crystals and related compounds. His work spans journal articles and preprints from 2021 through 2023, with key publications receiving citations indicative of their impact in radiation detection and imaging technology. These publications demonstrate consistent advancements in crystal growth techniques, scintillation performance improvements, and novel materials development, establishing him as a significant contributor to both academic research and practical applications in homeland security and medical imaging.
Awards and Honors
His pioneering work has earned him numerous accolades. These include the prestigious R&D 100 Award (2010, 2019) for high-performance scintillator development, and the Tibbetts Award (2012) from the U.S. Small Business Administration. He was also an R&D 100 Award Finalist (2016) and won first place at the Alabama Academy of Science (2008). His consistent contributions were recognized by Alabama A&M and NASA through several departmental and tuition awards between 2002 and 2008.
Publications Top Notes
1. Characterization of large diameter dual-mode cerium-doped Tl₂LiYCl₆ advanced scintillator
Journal: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2023.168626
ISSN: 0168-9002
Contributors: Hawrami, R.; Ariesanti, E.; Burger, A.; Neely, E.; Glodo, J.; Pandian, L.; Ji, C.; Stepanoff, S.; Wolfe, D.E.; Liang, F.
Summary:
This study investigates the growth and scintillation properties of large diameter cerium-doped Tl₂LiYCl₆ crystals. The dual-mode scintillator offers advanced detection capabilities with improved energy resolution and light yield. The research highlights its potential for radiation detection and imaging applications.
2. Large Diameter Bulk Crystal Growth and Scintillation Characterization of Thallium-Based Ternary Halide Crystals for Detection and Imaging
Source: arXiv
Year: 2023
DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2309.07093
ISSN: 2331-8422
Contributor: Hawrami, R.
Summary:
This preprint details the bulk crystal growth of thallium-based ternary halides with a focus on their scintillation properties. The work emphasizes the scalable production of large-diameter crystals suited for detection and imaging, showing promising performance in terms of light yield and stability.
3. Growth and Evaluation of Improved CsI:Tl and NaI:Tl Scintillators
Journal: Crystals
Year: 2022
DOI: 10.3390/cryst12111517
ISSN: 2073-4352
Contributors: Hawrami, R.; Ariesanti, E.; Farsoni, A.; Szydel, D.; Sabet, H.
Summary:
This paper focuses on the growth processes and evaluation of CsI:Tl and NaI:Tl scintillators with improved crystal quality. Enhanced light output and energy resolution are reported, which are critical parameters for efficient radiation detection systems.
4. Latest growth of large diameter Tl-based elpasolite scintillation crystals
Journal: Optical Materials
Year: 2022 (June)
DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2022.112324
ISSN: 0925-3467
Contributors: Hawrami, R.; Ariesanti, E.; Burger, A.; Sellin, P.
Summary:
This work presents advances in the growth techniques of large diameter thallium-based elpasolite scintillation crystals. The improvements in crystal size and uniformity lead to enhanced scintillation properties, suitable for applications in homeland security and medical imaging.
5. Advanced inorganic halide ceramic scintillators
Source: arXiv
Year: 2021
ISSN: 2331-8422
Contributors: Hawrami, R.; Ariesanti, E.; Parkhe, H.; Burger, A.
Summary:
This article discusses the development of advanced inorganic halide ceramic scintillators. The research explores material composition and fabrication methods aimed at achieving high performance in gamma-ray detection with robust ceramic scintillators.
Conclusion
Dr. Rastgo Hawrami’s career exemplifies a seamless integration of research, innovation, and education in the field of material science. His contributions to radiation detection through crystal growth and scintillator development have advanced national defense, health, and environmental monitoring. As an award-winning scientist, experienced educator, and research leader, he remains committed to mentoring the next generation and pushing the boundaries of applied physics. His legacy is reflected in high-impact publications, prestigious awards, and technologies in use today.