Stilbene Production for Fast Neutron Detection

The detection of neutrons is a critical capability for the identification of special nuclear materials in homeland security applications. Both plutonium and uranium can be detected by their neutron signatures. Next-generation detectors should efficiently detect fission neutrons, even in a high background of gamma rays. Neutron detection systems consisting of 3He have found widespread use due to their neutron/gamma discrimination capabilities; however, 3He systems cannot directly detect fission neutrons and availability is now limited. Organic scintillation crystals such as stilbene offer direct fast neutron detection with high efficiency and good neutron/gamma discrimination. Recently, solution crystal growth has been demonstrated as a route towards the largescale production of organic scintillators. Growth of inorganic crystals from solution is an established commercial process; skilled practitioners can scale their operation to produce significant quantities of high quality material. The overall objective of the proposed effort is to demonstrate a method for industrial production of stilbene neutron detectors.