Neutron detection experiments with ionization counter and /sup 6/Li converter

The detection of neutrons with thin /sup 6/Li containing films or layers within an ionization chamber is discussed. A detection efficiency of 50% for thermal neutrons is obtainable with three 100-/spl mu/m thin /sup 6/Li foils. Preliminary measurements were performed with converters which contain a 1-/spl mu/m thin /sup 6/LiF layer. The detector efficiency is only 3%. Pulse height distributions were measured and analyzed for the gases Ar, CF/sub 4/, and C/sub 2/F/sub 6/ at pressures between 0.5 and 5 atm and at voltages between 50 and 500 V. Diffraction peaks from polycrystalline iron and semi-crystalline pyrolytic graphite were measured in TOF mode and are presented.