YAP:Ce Scintillator Characteristics for Neutron Detection

YAP:Ce (YAlO 3 :Ce3+, Yttrium Aluminum Perovskite, Ce3+ doped) crystals with appropriate converters seem to be prospective scintillators for neutron detection. An important aspect of neutron detection with inorganic scintillators is the ability to discriminate neutron radiation from gamma radiation by signal pulse height. For a detailed measurement of this aspect, a YAP:Ce crystal scintillator with lithium or hydrogen converters was used, along with a photomultiplier. A plutonium-beryllium neutron source was used. The measurement confirmed that a YAP:Ce scintillator can be used for neutron radiation detection. These results can help estimate gamma radiation influence on signals from neutrons.