Detection of gamma-neutron radiation by novel solid-state scintillation detectors

In this work, we present results of our experimental and theoretical studies on the detection efficiency of fast neutrons from 239Pu-Be and 252Cf sources by the heavy oxide scintillators BGO, GSO, CWO and ZWO, as well as ZnSe(Te, O). We have investigated the efficiency of registration of the combined γ and neutron radiation from Pu-Be and Cf-252 neutron sources and have explored the possibility of suppressing the γ-radiation by several methods — passive protection by lead shielding, active defense by detector design and the use of special software for gamma discrimination. The last method is the most promising, but it requires more detailed development. In addition, we provide examples of practical applications of these results, as well as the results of our search for new ways to develop large-sized detectors of lower cost by creating a new multilayer structure from composite (flexible) scintillator panels alternated with transparent plastic scintillator layers that serve as light guides.