${\rm Cs}_{2}{\rm LiYCl}_{6}:{\rm Ce}$ Scintillator for Nuclear Monitoring Applications

This paper summarizes the initial investigation of large diameter (2-inch) Cs
₂
LiYCl
₆
:Ce (CLYC) crystals grown at RMD. Although the crystals had some cracks, the tested sample provided adequate results: It produced a clear thermal neutron peak, a difference in time profiles under gamma and neutron excitation was observed, and pulse shape discrimination (PSD) based on two integration windows and their ratios was achieved. The PSD provided an excellent separation between gamma and neutron events. The discrimination ratio was better than 1:1000 (based on 15,000 events). We have also tested a relatively smaller sample with excellent crystal quality for the energy resolution. The results surpassed those previously obtained. The recorded energy resolution at 662 keV was 4.7% (FWHM) using a standard bialkali PMT. This is better than the previously measured 5.1% value. A 4.3% energy resolution was obtained with a super bialkali PMT.