The use of fast and thermal neutron detectors based on oxide scintillators in inspection systems for prevention of illegal transportation of radioactive substances

Results are presented of our studies aimed at practical application of an efficient method for detection of fast and thermal neutrons, which uses the process of inelastic scattering on atom nuclei present in inorganic scintillators. The most evident practical application field for this method is inspection systems for prevention of illegal transportation of radioactive substances. Especially promising is creation of a small-sized neutron detector for portable radioactive materials detection systems using the “scintillator-avalanche photodiode” assemblies.