Crystal growth and luminescence properties of phenanthrene for neutron detection

Phenanthrene crystals were grown by the self-seeding vertical Bridgman technique as a neutron scintillation material and their luminescence properties were evaluated. As-grown crystals had no secondary phases from the results of the powder X-ray Diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer measurements. The radio luminescence emission spectrum had a peak at 408 nm and its profile was similar to that of the photoluminescence emission spectrum. The relative light yield under 5.5-MeV alpha-ray was 1.15 times higher than that of lithium glass GS-20. The light yield of phenanthrene under 662 keV gamma-ray is estimated to be 38 +/- 2% of NaI:Tl. The scintillation decay time under neutron excitation was estimated to be 7.30 +/- 0.14 ns.

Automated summary

Phenanthrene crystals were successfully grown by self-seeding technique and used as a neutron scintillation material. Their luminescence properties were evaluated and found to have no secondary phases. The radio luminescence emission spectrum and photoluminescence emission spectrum were similar. Furthermore, the relative light yield of phenanthrene under specific radiation conditions was higher than that of lithium glass GS-20.