Growth and characterization of 6LiI:Ag crystal scintillators for thermal and epithermal neutron detection on the lunar surface

•1.0-inch diameter 6LiI:Ag crystals were successfully grown using Bridgman method.•The maximum neutron-gamma PSD figure of merit was obtained to be 1.3.•Energy resolution of the thermal neutron peak of 12.0% can be observed.•6LiI:Ag is promising neutron detectors in high neutron-gamma mixed fields. This paper discusses crystal growth and characterization of 1.0-inch 6LiI:Ag scintillators for thermal and epithermal neutron detection on the lunar surface as part of the Lunar Vehicle Radiation Dosimeter project. Zone purification method was employed to purify the raw material of 6LiI, and the crystals were grown using the Bridgman method. X-ray luminescence spectrum was measured to confirm the presence of Ag+ in the crystal lattice of 6LiI. The feasibility of neutron detection under 252Cf fast neutron irradiation was investigated. A hydrogen-rich paraffin wax moderator was used to slow down fast neutrons to obtain thermal and epithermal neutrons. The charge comparison method was used to perform pulse shape discrimination. The maximum value of the Figure of Merit was obtained to be 1.3, which demonstrates the capability of using 6LiI:Ag crystal scintillators in high neutron and gamma mixed fields. The energy resolution of the thermal neutron peak varied with the thickness of scintillators, achieving 12.0 % for the 0.5 cm thick samples. The potential for further improvement of the scintillation performance of 6LiI:Ag crystal relies on reducing impurities and color centers.