Palm-size low-level neutron sensor for radiation monitoring

We have developed a new technique for the detection of neutrons in the presence of a high gamma-ray background. This was accomplished by using two lithium-loaded glass scintillators (/sup 6/Li//sup 7/Li) in combination. The neutron capture reaction in /sup 6/Li has a very high Q-value which means better discrimination against gamma-ray background. The /sup 7/Li detector, on the other hand, is neutron insensitive and was used to measure separately the gamma contribution in a mixed neutron-gamma field. By subtracting this gamma contribution from the /sup 6/Li data, which is sensitive to both gamma rays and neutrons, one can obtain the pure neutron counts.