An investigation into a suitable scintillator for localising neutron capture within a detector

Abstract

Using Monte-Carlo modelling, an investigation into a suitable loaded scintillator for localising neutron capture in a novel neutron survey meter has been undertaken. A comparison of estimated neutron capture location in a scintillator with Geant4 and MCNP simulations was undertaken and a good general agreement between the two models was observed. The interactions of γ emissions from neutron capture in the scintillator are investigated. The results show that the γ emission from neutron capture will not aid neutron capture localisation and will only inhibit it. It is observed that the lithium-loaded scintillator has the lowest neutron capture efficiency when compared with boron and gadolinium scintillators. However, it is the most promising of the detectors investigated in this research for use in a novel neutron survey meter design.

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of divalent rare-earth-doped Li₂CaSiO₄

“…The use of neutron facilities requires safe technologies for accurately measuring the neutron dose/fluence and detecting the irradiation position of neutron beams. 1) In most cases, neutron beams are detected using dedicated neutron scintillators. 2)4) A scintillator is a material that emits light in response to the energy of the incident radiation, and radiation detectors (referred to as scintillation detectors) combined with light sensors are widely used to measure the radiation dose.…”