Neutron Detection With Scintillators
In general neutrons are more difficult to detect than gamma rays because of their weak interaction with matter and their large dynamic range in energy.
Fast Neutrons can interact with materials that contain a large concentration of hydrogen atoms (protons), for example organic materials, by means of elastic scattering in which case the energy of the neutron is (partially) transfered to the protons which on their turn can produce scintillation light. Using the above principle, fast neutrons can be detected in any organic (plastic or liquid) scintillator.
The efficiency of neutron absorption in a liquid scintillator can be increased by adding 0.5% by weight of Gadolinium to the liquid.
In some liquid scintilllators fast neutrons produce scintillations with different decay times for neutrons and gammas. Using Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) techniques, it is therefore possible to separate fast neutrons from gammas. Special design considerations are impor tant in the d esign of liquid cells for this application.
Thermal neutrons produce a continuous spectrum in organic scintillators.
Thermal neutrons can be detected by means of a nuclear reaction with 6-Li atoms in 6-Li containing scintillation materials. In this reaction , a triton and an alpha particle are produced. An example of such material is C e-dop ed 6-L i glass. It is possible to have enrichment up to 96% of 6-Li in this scintillation material.
In order to detect fast neutrons with a 6-Li containing scintillation material, the neutrons must be first moderated with a suitable (hydrogen rich) material, for example a plastic.
Thermal neutrons produce a peak in Ce-doped Li glass
scintillators at a gamma equivalent energy of approx.
1.9 MeV.
Another technique to measure the energy of fast
neutrons uses time of flight measurements which
consists of an accurate determination of the moment of
interaction between the neutron and a fast plastic
scintillator. In general several meter long scintillation
plastics are used for these experiments.
Summary
Fast Neutrons: