Self-assembled natLiCl–CeCl3 directionally solidified eutectics for thermal neutron detection

Abstract

Novel ^natLiCl–CeCl₃ eutectic scintillators for thermal neutron detection were synthesized by using the vertical Bridgman method. The eutectic molar ratio of LiCl and CeCl₃ is 0.75/0.25. The effects of solidification speed on the microstructure, optical properties, and scintillation properties under γ and neutron irradiation were studied. The grown ^natLiCl–CeCl₃ eutectics have a lamellar structure. Excited by X-rays, the scintillation emission of the ^natLiCl–CeCl₃ eutectics peaks at 365 nm, which is related to the Ce³⁺ 5d–4f emission, and a broad and weak emission appears at 526 nm. The scintillation decay time of the ^natLiCl–CeCl₃ eutectics under γ irradiation is about 20 ns. The energy spectra under Pu/Be source irradiation indicate that the synthesized ^natLiCl–CeCl₃ is capable of detecting thermal neutrons.