Characterization and Monte Carlo simulations for a CLYC detector

Abstract

The CLYC (Cs 2 LiYCl 6 :Ce) detector is a scintillator detector sensitive to both neutron and gamma radiation and capable of separating the two types of radiation by pulse-shape discrimination. This feature is interesting as pertains to the development of non-destructive assays for the safeguard of nuclear material, nuclear security, and fast-neutron personal dosimetry. A 1˝ × 1˝ CLYC detector highly enriched with 6 Li was purchased and tested with analog and digital electronics. In this work, we report on the characterization of the detector in terms of linearity, energy resolution, and full-energy efficiency for gamma rays. This characterization was achieved by measurements with calibrated gamma-ray point-sources with an analog measuring chain, in a well-defined, reproducible geometry. The experimental data were also used to validate a model of the detection system that was developed with the Monte Carlo code MCNP-CP. This work is part of a collaborative agreement between SCK•CEN and JRC-Geel.