High neutron cross-section, high light output.
Major uses - Thermal neutron detection and spectroscopy

3 mm LiI(Eu) stops 90 % of thermal neutrons

Rugged crystal ( > 20 degrees C gradient / hour allowed)

Excellent neutron / Gamma discrimination (neutron peak > 3 MeV)

Neutron peak resolution < 7 % FWHM (PMT readout

 

Physical Properties:

Density	-	4.1 g/cm3
Effective decay time	-	1.4 s
High Neutron Peak Position	-	> 3 MeV
Photoelectron yield	-	30-35 % of NaI(tl)
6-Li enrichment	-	96%

 

 

Neutron Detection

Neutrons do not produce ionization directly in scintillation crystals, but can be detected through their interaction with the nuclei of a suitable element. In a 6 LiI(Eu) scintillation crystal for example, neutrons interact with 6 Li nuclei to produce an alpha particle and a triton (tritium nucleus), which both produce scintillation light that can be detected. For this purpose, also enriched 6 Li containing glasses can be used, doped with Ce as activator.