Simultaneous counting of α-, β(γ)-rays and thermal neutrons with phoswich detectors consisting of ZnS(Ag), 6Li-glass and/or NE102A scintillators

Abstract

Simultaneous counting of α-, β(including γ)-rays and thermal neutrons was realized by combining doubly or triply ZnS(Ag) film, NS8 6Li glass and/or NE102A plastic scintillators with or without Au Mylar (Au-coated Mylar films). The Au Mylar was used as an optical ND filter to discriminate thermal neutrons detected with the NS8 from α-rays detected with the ZnS(Ag) in pulse height by interposing behind the ZnS(Ag). The other discriminations were achieved by pulse shape analysis. Satisfactory discrimination among α-, β(γ)-rays and thermal neutrons was obtained with the ZnS(Ag)/Au Mylar/NS8 and ZnS(Ag)/NE102A/NS8 phoswiches. Discrimination characteristics of the devised phoswiches were described.