Fast-neutron induced background in LaBr3:Ce detectors

Abstract

The response of a scintillation detector with a cylindrical 1.5-inch LaBr3:Ce crystal to incident neutrons has been measured in the energy range En = 2-12 MeV. Neutrons were produced by proton irradiation of a Li target at Ep = 5-14.6 MeV with pulsed proton beams. Using the time-of-flight information between target and detector, energy spectra of the LaBr3:Ce detector resulting from fast neutron interactions have been obtained at 4 different neutron energies. Neutron-induced gamma rays emitted by the LaBr3:Ce crystal were also measured in a nearby Ge detector at the lowest proton beam energy. In addition, we obtained data for neutron irradiation of a large-volume high-purity Ge detector and of a NE-213 liquid scintillator detector, both serving as monitor detectors in the experiment. Monte-Carlo type simulations for neutron interactions in the liquid scintillator, the Ge and LaBr3:Ce crystals have been performed and compared with measured data. Good agreement being obtained with the data, we present the results of simulations to predict the response of LaBr3:Ce detectors for a range of crystal sizes to neutron irradiation in the energy range En = 0.5-10 MeVComment: 28 pages, 10 figures, 4 Table

Measurement of the relative neutron sensitivity curve of a LaBr3(Ce) scintillator based on the CSNS Back-n white neutron source

“…Lu et al [13] studied the resistance to neutron irradiation of a LaBr 3 (Ce) scintillator. Kiener et al [14] determined neutroninteraction yields in a 1.5-in. cylindrical LaBr 3 (Ce) crystal in the energy range 2.…”

Response of LaBr3:Ce scintillation detector itself to fast neutrons

“…The LaBr 3 :Ce scintillation detector has been widely used in various gamma radiation measurements fields [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] since it has good energy resolution, high detection efficiency and excellent time resolution. In addition, the detector has recently been found to be sensitive to neutrons and can be used for neutron detection using some neutron-induced gamma rays generated in the neutron inelastic scattering process.…”