A New Ceramic Scintillator for Neutron Detection

75745-Neutron beam facilities, used for materials research studies, require high neutron fluxes, but their utilization is often limited by detection systems that use scintillators. None of these scintillators exhibit good neutron detection and energy resolution, fast response, and high light yield at the same time. The widely used 6LiF/ZnS:Ag phosphor, although very bright, is slow and opaque to its own light, forcing the use of thin layers and compromising detection efficiency. This project will fabricate a novel neutron 6LiF/CaF2:Eu scintillator, which will be transparent to its own light and will allow a thicker scintillator to be used, thereby improving detection efficiency and energy resolution. CaF2:Eu emission will be twice as fast as ZnS:Ag, will have no long-term afterglow, and will permit higher counting rates. Phase I will fabricate optically transparent ceramic 6LiF/CaF2:Eu samples and investigate their scintillation properties. Feasibility will be demonstrated through studies of morphological, optical, and scintillation properties. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new material should find application in the Spallation Neutron Source ¿ in approximately 15 neutron scattering instruments that use scintillators for neutron detection. It also should expand the choice of neutron scintillators.