Neutron/gamma discrimination in LiBaF3 scintillator

The detection of neutrons in the presence of significant gamma-radiation is often required in arms control, material accountability, and nuclear smuggling scenarios as well as in basic nuclear research. The new scintillator material LiBaF3 offers the possibility of measuring neutron count rates and energy spectra simultaneously while measuring gamma-count rates and spectra using a single detector. These capabilities derive from the fact that LiBaF3 exhibits a very fast core-valence luminescence under gamma-irradiation whereas this component is missing under neutron irradiation. Relatively simple pulse shape analysis techniques can be used to obtain excellent neutron/gamma discrimination. We present our current results illustrating these capabilities.