Neutron and Gamma-ray Detection using a Cs2LiYCl6 Scintillator

Abstract

A new scintillator, Cs2LiYCl6 (CLYC), has recently gained interest due to its dual capability to detect neutron and gamma radiation. In addition to its high resolution to detect gamma-rays, this sensor can serve in detecting both thermal and fast neutrons through 6Li(n,α) and 35Cl(n,p) reactions, respectively. For fast neutron detection, the current sensor technology has challenges and drawbacks, such as detection efficiency and energy dependence. In this regard, due to the presence of the 35Cl isotope, CLYC can overcome those challenges. The response functions of this scintillator to neutron and gamma radiation has been obtained using Monte Carlo N-Particle eXtended code (MCNPX). The simulation results and the sensor’s applicability to neutron spectrometry and dosimetry has been discussed and analyzed.