Pulse shape discrimination with lithium-containing organic scintillators

6Li-containing organic scintillators have been prepared and characterized as a new type of transparent, single-phase materials with pulse shape discrimination (PSD) properties for simultaneous detection of thermal and fast neutrons discriminated from gamma radiation. Tests conducted with recently developed PSD-capable plastic scintillators showed that incorporation of 6Li into the aromatic matrix with fast-neutron/gamma discrimination properties offers the additional sensitivity to thermal neutrons, substantially increasing efficiency and the energy range of neutron detection. Comparative analyses of 6Li-loaded plastic, liquid and single crystal organic scintillators provide evidence that, in addition to neutron/gamma discrimination, these novel materials have the ability for discrimination between the signatures of fast and thermal neutrons. •First 6Li-loaded organic scintillators with efficient neutron/gamma PSD described.•“Triple” discrimination between gamma, fast, and thermal neutrons, presented.•“Triple” PSD in plastic, liquid, and single crystal organic scintillators discussed.