Fast neutron detection by storage phosphors with low gamma-ray sensitivity

Storage phosphors such as SrBPOs:Eu²⁺ with low gamma-ray sensitivity were applied to fast neutron detection using polyethylene (PE) sheets as a proton generator that were set in front of the phosphors. The photostimulated luminescence (PSL) yields were measured by changing PE thickness when neutron energy was 5 MeV. The experimental results were compared with those by Monte Carlo simulation using PHITS code. The PSL yields by gamma-ray associated with fast neutron fields were estimated for both SrBPOs:Eu²⁺ sheets and commercial available imaging plates. The results showed that the imaging methods using such storage phosphors with low gamma- ray sensitivity had negligible gamma-ray influences and will be used for fast neutron imaging.