Neutron–gamma discrimination based on pulse shape discrimination in a Ce:LiCaAlF6 scintillator

We demonstrate neutron–gamma discrimination based on a pulse shape discrimination method in a Ce:LiCAF scintillator. We have tried neutron–gamma discrimination using a difference in the pulse shape or the decay time of the scintillation light pulse. The decay time is converted into the rise time through an integrating circuit. A 252Cf enclosed in a polyethylene container is used as the source of thermal neutrons and prompt gamma-rays. Obvious separation of neutron and gamma-ray events is achieved using the information of the rise time of the scintillation light pulse. In the separated neutron spectrum, the gamma-ray events are effectively suppressed with little loss of neutron events. The pulse shape discrimination is confirmed to be useful to detect neutrons with the Ce:LiCAF scintillator under an intense high-energy gamma-ray condition.