Thermal neutron imaging tests using Ce doped LiCaAlF6 and sealed 252Cf source

Thermal neutron imaging with Ce doped ⁶LiCaAlF₆, which is a novel thermal neutron scintillator, was demonstrated. Ce doped ⁶LiCaAlF₆ single crystal was grown by Czochralski technique and grown crystal was cut and polished to a plate shape. Setup of the thermal neutron imaging consisted of the plate shaped Ce doped ⁶LiCaAlF₆, a position sensitive photomultiplier tube, alphabet-shaped Cd-masks and ²⁵²Cf in the polyethylene container. As a result, clear neutron image was successfully observed.