Next-generation neutron detection using a 6Li glass scintillator composite

Favalli, Andrea; Wiggins, Brenden W.; Iliev, Metodi; Richards, Cameron G.; Ogren, Kristofer; McLean, Thomas D.; Ianakiev, Kiril D.; Hehlen, Markus P.

doi:10.1038/s42005-024-01903-3

Next-generation neutron detection using a ⁶Li glass scintillator composite

Journal Article · Sat Jan 04 00:00:00 EST 2025 · Communications Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-024-01903-3· OSTI ID:2566430

^[1]; Wiggins, Brenden W. ^[2]; Iliev, Metodi ^[2]; Richards, Cameron G. ^[2]; Ogren, Kristofer ^[2]; McLean, Thomas D. ^[2]; Ianakiev, Kiril D. ^[2]; ^[2]

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States); European Commission, Ispra (Italy). Joint Research Centre (JRC)
Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Neutron detectors are crucial in fundamental science, nuclear security, safeguards, and civil applications. ³He-filled gas proportional counters are the gold standard for thermal neutron detection, prized for their efficiency, neutron/gamma discrimination, and stability; however, the scarcity of ³He has prompted the search for alternatives. Here, we introduce a neutron detector design based on a scintillating composite consisting of ⁶Li glass scintillator particles dispersed in an organic matrix. A detector consisting of this scintillating composite, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) for optical detection, and electronics for reading out the PMT signal in both pulse and current modes was prototyped and characterized using various neutron and gamma sources. The prototype achieves a measured intrinsic detection efficiency of 6.70 ± 0.01%, a die-away time of 10.3 ± 0.1 μs, a negligible gamma misidentification probability, and response linearity up to at least 3.7 × 10⁶ incident neutrons/s established via a cross-calibration technique. This detector holds the potential to outperform traditional ³He-gas-based neutron detection systems, offering a viable alternative amidst the ongoing ³He shortage and promising advancements in neutron detection technology.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program

Grant/Contract Number:: 89233218CNA000001

OSTI ID:: 2566430

Report Number(s):: LA-UR--24-20569

Journal Information:: Communications Physics, Journal Name: Communications Physics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 8; ISSN 2399-3650

Publisher:: Springer NatureCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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