Evaluation of CLYC-6 and CLYC-7 scintillators for detection of nuclear materials

The Cs2LiYCl6 (CLYC) scintillator is proven to be suitable for dual γ-ray/neutron detection owing its distinct response both radiation types. This feature makes this material attractive applications in nuclear security and safeguards. Two 3.8 cm diameter CLYC crystals, one enriched with 95% 6Li, the second depleted of 6Li >99% 7Li, were characterized conventional gamma-ray sources as well (α, n) a bare heavy-water-moderated 252Cf neutron source. suitability two scintillators characterization special fissionable materials was evaluated experimentally using uranium plutonium samples different isotopic concentrations. Whereas detectors have comparable performances gamma rays, 6Li-enriched shows better gross count, because sensitivity thermal neutrons. A simple method based on neutron/gamma ratios within certain energy regions has been demonstrated able distinguish between emitting sources, showing very promising results development more sophisticated identification algorithms signatures. reported here suggest candidate applications.