Neutron/gamma discrimination in LiBaF3 scintillator

The detection of neutrons in the presence of significant gamma-radiation is often required in arms control, material accountability, and nuclear smugg ling scenarios as well as in basic nuclear research. The new scintillator m aterial LiBaF3 offers the possibility of measuring neutron count rates and energy spectra simultaneously while measuring gamma-count rates and spectra using a single detector. These capabilities derive from the fact that LiBa F3 exhibits a very fast core-valence luminescence under gamma-irradiation w hereas this component is missing under neutron irradiation. Relatively simp le pulse shape analysis techniques can be used to obtain excellent neutron/ gamma discrimination. We present our current results illustrating these cap abilities.