Novel optical fibre-based sensors for neutron and proton beams

Five different inorganic scintillators combined with an organic optical fibre have been explored for their neutron-sensing capabilities. Yield and signal-to-noise-ratios (SNR) were found for four Europium-activated phosphors and one Terbium-activated phosphor in neutron radiation. Studies showed YVO
₄
:Eu to have the highest signal-to-noise ratio as well as the highest overall signal and Gd
₂
O
₂
S:Eu was found to have the smallest relative SNR in neutron radiation of the phosphors. To explore the possibility of the sensors' ability to discriminate between neutron and gamma radiation, lateral profiles of three sensors were taken. Lateral profiles yielded varied results with the Gd
₂
O
₂
S:Tb profile being closest to SRAM (neutron-only data). Samples were normalized to recorded monitor count rates during irradiations.