Thermal neutron detection with 6Li converters

In this detector research and development the key product is a 100 mum thin ⁶Li metal foil, which is to be used as converter for neutron detection. Due to the chemical reactivity of metallic lithium a special treatment is required for fabrication of such foils. Preparation by rolling lithium in a glove box, protection with ultra thin polymer films against oxidation in air, observation of oxidation by weight increase, mounting and using the ⁶Li converters in detector test facilities are described and experimental results are presented for two detector types.