Manufacturing and Characteristics of Composite Scintillators Based on Lithium Glass

Samples of composite scintillators consisting of NE 912 lithium glass fragments located in an organic matrix have been developed and manufactured. Samples were made in sizes of ∅40 × 2 mm with 25, 30, and 35% lithium glass concentration. Epoxy and acrylic resins, as well as a silicone compound, were used as a neutral matrix. Samples were tested as part of a scintillation detector on a thermal neutron beam and with source of γ-quanta 60 Co. The efficiency of thermal neutrons' registration and γ-sensitivity compared to a homogeneous glass scintillator was determined. The results obtained confirmed the possibility of reducing the sensitivity of the detector to γ-quanta by two orders of magnitude due to a slight (50%) decrease in the efficiency of neutron detection.