Storage characteristics of SrBPO5:Eu2+ phosphors by fast neutron irradiation

Storage characteristics of SrBPO5:Eu²⁺ phosphor were investigated when the phosphor was irradiated by fast neutron with energy of 14.8 MeV. To improve the fast neutron sensitivity, polyethylene (PE) sheets as a proton generator were set in front of the phosphors. The maximum photostimulated luminescence (PSL) yields were obtained at a PE thickness of about 3 mm. These experimental results well agreed with those by Monte Carlo simulation using PHITS code. Estimated PSL yields by gamma-ray associated with fast neutron fields were negligible. The neutron sensitivities of 5-MeV and 14-MeV neutrons were estimated and were also agreed with those by MC simulation. This combination use of such phosphors and PE sheets will be usable for fast neutron monitoring or imaging.