POLYMER COMPOSITE BASED THERMAL NEUTRON DETECTORS

摘要

Polymer composite neutron detector materials are described. The composite materials include an aromatic polymer matrix, such as an aromatic polyester. Distributed within the polymer matrix are neutron capture agents, such as 6LiF nanoparticles, and organic or inorganic luminescent fluors. The composite materials can be formed into stretched or unstretched thin films, fibers or fiber mats.

主权项

1. A method for detecting neutron radiation, wherein the method comprises:
providing a polymer composite wherein said polymer composite comprises a matrix material comprising at least one aromatic polymer or copolymer, wherein the at least one aromatic polymer or copolymer comprises at least one aromatic moiety selected from the group consisting of naphthylene, anthracene, fluorene, terphenyl, phenanthrene, pyridine, furan, and thiophene, a neutron capture agent comprising a 6Li compound distributed within the matrix material, and an organic or inorganic luminescent fluor distributed within the matrix material; disposing the polymer composite in the path of a beam of radiation, wherein the matrix material and the luminescent fluor of the polymer composite emit light when the composite absorbs said radiation; and detecting neutron radiation by detecting the light emitted by the composite, wherein the detecting discriminates between neutron and gamma radiation, further wherein said detecting comprises detecting the light emitted by the composite to provide a photodetection signal and processing the photodetection signal using pulse shape discrimination.