THERMAL NEUTRON DETECTION

EJ-426

EJ-426 is an efficient detector for thermal neutrons with low sensitivity to gamma radiation. The detector has the form of a flat, white, thin sheet consisting of a homogeneous matrix of fine particles of lithium-6-fluoride (⁶LiF) and zinc sulfide phosphor (ZnS:Ag) compactly dispersed in a colorless binder. The lithium is enriched in ⁶Li to a minimum of 95 atom %.

The neutron detection process employs the nuclear reaction ⁶Li (n, α) ³H:

⁶Li + ¹n  →  ³H + ⁴He + 4.78 MeV

with a cross section of 941 barns for 0.025 eV neutrons. The resulting triton and alpha particle are detected by ZnS:Ag phosphor with the broad blue fluorescent spectrum shown below. The decay time of the prompt scintillation component is 200 ns.

EJ-426 sheets can be manufactured in a large variety of sizes and formulas and are usually supplied with a support backing. Most types are heat formable.  The tables below present the product variations currently available.

ORDERING INFORMATION

When requesting EJ-426, please specify the desired formula, matrix thickness, backing material, and sheet size. Standard options are listed in the table below. Custom formulations and variations are also available. The maximum sheet size is 400 mm x 500 mm.