All Inorganic Scintillating Fiber for Thermal Neutron Detection

Thermal neutron detection with scintillating fibers has excellent scientific and technological potential for remote and spatially resolved detection. However, most fibers are polymers, and developing all-inorganic scintillating fibers remains a significant challenge. Herein, all-inorganic scintillating fibers and prototype neutron detection devices are successfully constructed for neutron detection. The scintillating fibers with a perfect waveguide configuration and tunable size have been fabricated through the melt-in-tube method. The interactions between the thermal neutron and scintillating fiber have been theoretically analyzed. The dependence of the neutron absorption ability on the core diameter, cladding thickness, and 6Li abundance has been investigated. Guided by the above experimental and theoretical results, the configuration of the scintillating fiber and the corresponding neutron detection prototype device has been built. Its practical application for neutron detection has been demonstrated, and importantly, the single thermal neutron event can be successfully monitored. The device shows great promise for neutron detection applications in special scenarios such as tiny space and electromagnetic interference environments. Thermal neutron detection with all-inorganic scintillating fibers remains a significant challenge. Herein, all-inorganic scintillating fibers are fabricated successfully. The interactions between the neutron and scintillating fiber have been theoretically analyzed. Guided by the above experimental and theoretical results, the prototype device is built. Its practical application for neutron detection is demonstrated. image