Novel flexible and conformable composite neutron scintillator based on fully enriched lithium tetraborate

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Materials science
• Detector technology

Background:

• Thermal neutron detection is critical for nuclear research, homeland security, and nuclear medicine.
• Existing detectors often lack flexibility and conformability for complex geometries.
• Developing advanced scintillators is essential for improving detection capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, flexible, and conformable composite thermal neutron scintillator.
• To characterize its neutron detection efficiency, light output, and gamma-ray insensitivity.
• To demonstrate its suitability for applications requiring non-standard detector shapes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite scintillator using enriched Lithium Tetraborate ([Formula: see text]Li[Formula: see text]B[Formula: see text]O[Formula: see text]), ZnS:Ag, and a polydimethylsiloxane matrix.
• Evaluation of neutron detection efficiency against a commercial standard (EJ-420).
• Measurement of light output, gamma rejection ratio, and flexibility (minimum curvature radius).
• Testing a hybrid detector incorporating the composite scintillator for neutron and gamma discrimination.

Main Results:

• The composite scintillator achieved a maximum neutron detection efficiency of 57% relative to EJ-420.
• It exhibited an average light output of 9000 photons per neutron capture.
• Demonstrated remarkable insensitivity to gamma rays with a Gamma Rejection Ratio <10[Formula: see text].
• Showcased extraordinary flexibility, maintaining integrity at curvature radii as small as 1.5 mm.

Conclusions:

• The developed flexible composite scintillator offers a promising solution for thermal neutron detection in diverse and challenging environments.
• Its unique properties enable optimized detector performance and efficiency in non-standard geometries.
• The material's characteristics pave the way for advanced applications in nuclear physics and security.