Shields capable of suppressing neutron-induced background in new classes of
gamma-ray detectors such as CdZnTe are becoming important for a variety of
reasons. These include a high cross section for neutron interactions in ne
w classes of detector materials as well as the inefficient vetoing of neutr
on-induced background in conventional active shields. We have previously de
monstrated through Monte-Carlo simulations how our new approach, supershiel
ds, is superior to the monolithic, bi-atomic neutron shields which have bee
n developed in the past. We report here on the first prototype models for s
upershields based on boron and hydrogen. We verify the performance of these
supershields through laboratory experiments. These experimental results, a
s well as measurements of conventional monolithic neutron shields, are show
n to be consistent with Monte-Carlo simulations. We discuss the implication
s of this experiment for designs of supershields in general and their appli
cation to future hard X-ray/gamma-ray experiments. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scienc
e B.V. All rights reserved.