Thermal neutron imaging tests using Ce doped LiCaAlF6 and sealed 252Cf source

Abstract

Thermal neutron imaging with Ce doped ⁶LiCaAlF6, which is a novel thermal neutron scintillator, was demonstrated. Ce doped ⁶LiCaAlF6 single crystal was grown by Czochralski technique and grown crystal was cut and polished to a plate shape. Setup of the thermal neutron imaging consisted of the plate shaped Ce doped ⁶LiCaAlF6, a position sensitive photomultiplier tube, alphabet-shaped Cd-masks and ²⁵²Cf in the polyethylene container. As a result, clear neutron image was successfully observed.