Our ⁶LiF-based scintillators for neutron imaging
ZnS / ⁶LiF scintillation plates
These are currently the most commonly used scintillation plates. They are available with two different emission wavelengths (blue or green), while the green emitting type matches the sensitivity of standard CCD camera systems very well.
Thanks to the wide range of available coating thicknesses (50 to 400 μm), the properties can be perfectly adapted to the ambient conditions. (High light yield or high resolution).
Diagram of ZnS / ⁶LiF scintillation plates
Diagram of ZnS / ⁶LiF scintillation plates
Novel ⁶LiF based scintillator with improved beam stability and excellent light yield
The permanent irradiation of the luminescent pigment with the secondary radiation generated by the converter ions (⁶Li, 10B or Gd) permanently disrupts the emission process and consequently reduces the light yield of the scintillators during prolonged use.
Within a development project with the Paul Scherrer Institute we were able to develop a novel ⁶LiF based scintillator with improved radiation stability and excellent light yield. The new product (⁶LiF/Zn(Cd)S:Ag scintillator) shows a 50% increase in light yield after a certain time compared to the most commonly used ⁶LiF/ZnS:Cu scintillator. This significantly increases the comparability of the absolute light yield, especially for long-term measurements.
Additional technical details can be found in the publication by T. Neuwirth and M. Schulz from TUM, FRM II (Garching). Here they describe the light behaviour during and after irradiation with neutrons in comparison to other scintillators.
Diagram comparison of luminous efficacy
Standard scintillation screens based on ⁶LiF / ZnS or ZnO:Zn or Zn(Cd)S:
| Base material | Emission | Dimension | Thickness | Comment |
| 6LiF / ZnS:Cu (ratio 1 / 2) | 530 nm (green) | up to 600 x 600 mm2 | 50 up to 400 µm | High light output and high resolution |
| 6LiF / ZnS:Ag (ratio 1 / 2) | 450 nm (blue) | up to 600 x 600 mm2 | 50 up to 400 µm | High light output and high resolution |
| 6LiF / ZnO:Zn (ratio 1 / 2) | 498 nm (blue-green) | up to 600 x 600 mm2 | 50 up to 400 µm | High light output with very short decay |
| 6LiF / Zn(Cd)S:Ag (ratio 1 / 2) | 605 nm (orange) | up to 600 x 600 mm2 | 50 up to 400 µm | Very high radiation hardness with outstanding light output and high resolution |