A low-power neutron and gamma-ray detector for environmental radiation monitoring using CLYC scintillator

Abstract

This paper describes a low-power neutron and gamma-ray detector based on a CLYC scintillator enriched with 96% 6Li for environmental radiation monitoring. The detector is designed in compliance with the IP66 standard having water and dust release capability. The power consumption of the detector is 3.5 W, and the operating temperature is from -15° to +40°. The energy response range for gamma rays is 40 keV to 3 MeV, while the energy resolution of the detector is 4.8% (662 keV). A standard figure of merit (FOM) is used to evaluate neutron-gamma discrimination, achieving a value of 3.42. The mixed neutron-gamma environment was simulated at the Back-n neutron beam of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). The test results show that the detector can detect the changes in the gamma dose and neutron count rates when the beam is turned on and off in real-time. The proposed detector is suitable for the application of long-term environmental radiation monitoring for nuclear facilities or buildings housing radioactive sources.