Comparison of detectors with pulse shape discrimination capability for simultaneous detection of gamma-rays, slow and fast neutrons

In this paper, five detectors (EJ-270 — single plastic scintillator, EJ-309B5 — single liquid scintillator, and 3 phoswich detectors: EJ-276+GS20, GS20+EJ-276, EJ-309+GS20) were studied in terms of simultaneous detection of gamma-rays and slow and fast neutrons. The measurements were carried out in a mixed field of neutron and gamma radiation from an intense (∼106 neutrons/s/4π) PuBe source. The PuBe neutron source was placed in an 18 cm diameter paraffin ball in order to increase the number of slow neutron detections. This paper covers the measurements of the neutron/gamma discrimination, photoelectron yield and analysis of the light pulse shapes originating from events related to gamma-rays, slow neutrons and fast neutrons. Sensitivity to slow neutrons is also briefly discussed. A comparison of n/γ discrimination for all of the tested detectors shows excellent performance of all phoswich detectors. Phoswich configurations tested within the scope of this study allow unambiguously resolve all three types of radiation and show superior performance in comparison with single loaded plastic or liquid scintillators.