Photonic Crystal Scintillating Fibers

65837 DOE neutron facilities, such as the Spallation Neutron Source, (SNS) will be either coming online or upgraded in the next few years. For these facilites, a need exists for neutron scintillator detectors having improvements in detection efficiency, neutron-gamma discrimination, high counting rate capability, cost, and adaptability to unusual geometries. In previous work, a volumetric detector for neutron detection has been demonstrated, based on the loading of lithium-6 in a sol-gel with fluorescent compounds, both inorganic and organic. This project will develop and characterize scintillators based upon this technology with the aim of ultimately developing detectors with gamma rejection, comparable to He-3 tubes, with fast response times. Phase I will make scintillator test elements using a variety of different activators based upon the sol-gel technology. The test elements will be characterized in terms of neutron-gamma discrimination and light output, and the best combination of sol-gel formulation and activator will be selected for continued development in Phase II. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: The coupling of volumetric detection with the photomultipliers that observe scintillation pulses should significantly improve neutron cross section capture. The volumetric detectors should fine use at DOE neutron beam facilities and at others around the world.