Characteristics of ZnS(Ag) + 6LiF Scintillator-Based Detector Used as a Neutron Dosimeter

Abstract

The signal characteristics of a ZnS(Ag) + ⁶LiF scintillator-based detector were investigated. The amplitude and width of the pulses from slow neutrons and electrons ⁹⁰Sr–⁹⁰Y were measured on a test bench. The parameter Q, the threshold for detecting neutron events, and the probability of error in determining particles were determined. The selected threshold ensures neutron detection against the electron background (γ-rays) with probability 99.95%, the probability of an error in determining an electron (γ-ray) as a neutron is 0.0001%. So, the test bench is a detector of slow neutrons and can be used as a neutron radiation dosimeter. For this, its design was modernized and calibrated. The ambient equivalent dose rate of neutron radiation measured with the aid of the test bench coincides, to within the error, with the readings of the MKS-AT1117M dosimeter, on measuring in the range 5–100 μSv/h, from a source of fast neutrons ²³⁸Pu–Be.>