Pr³⁺-doped lithium glass as a scintillator usable for nuclear fusion diagnostics
Abstract
We present results on the neutron scintillating properties of a custom-designed Pr³⁺(Praseodymium)-doped lithium glass. Luminescence due to the 5d-4f transition was observed at 278 nm. Time-resolved spectroscopy yielded ~20 ns decay times for ultraviolet and x-ray excitation while faster decay times of ~6 ns were observed for alpha-particle and neutron excitation. Time-of-flight data in laser fusion experiments at the GEKKO XII facility of the Inst of Laser Engineering, Osaka Univ reveal that this material can clearly discriminate fusion neutrons from the much stronger x-rays signals. The results promise improved accuracy in future scattered neutron diagnostics.