YAP:Ce scintillator characteristics for neutron detection

YAP: Ce (YAlO3:Ce+, Yttrium Aluminum Perovskite, Ce+ doped) crystals with appropriate converters seem like prospective scintillators for neutron detection. An important aspect for neutron detection with inorganic scintillators is the ability to discriminate neutron radiation from gamma radiation by pulse height of signals. For a detailed measurement of the aspect, a YAP: Ce crystal scintillator with lithium or hydrogen converters and a photomultiplier was used. A plutonium-beryllium neutron source and horizontal neutron channel beams of the LVR-15 research reactor were used as neutron sources. The measurement confirmed the possibility to use the YAP: Ce scintillator for neutron radiation detection. The degree of discrimination between neutron and gamma radiation for different detection configurations was studied.