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

The detection of neutrons with thin /sup 6/Li containing films or layers within an ionisation 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 analysed for the gases Ar, CF/sub 4/ and C/sub 2/F/sub 6/ at pressures between 0.5 atm and 5 atm and at voltages between 50V and 500V. Diffraction peaks from polycrystalline iron and semi-crystalline pyrolytic graphite were measured in TOF mode and are presented.