Pr or Ce-doped, fast-response and low-afterglow cross-section-enhanced scintillator with 6Li for down-scattered neutron originated from laser fusion

Abstract: We explore the potential of Pr- or Ce-doped 20Al(PO3)3–80LiF (APLF80+3Pr or +3Ce) scintillator to observe the lower edge of down-scattered neutron and discriminate fusion originated neutron from strong X-ray signals. APLF80+3Pr or +3Ce scintillator exhibits considerably fast decay profiles and negligible slow-decay components. Using these newly developed APLF80+3Pr or +3Ce scintillators, we have successfully observed fusion-originated neutron signal in the midst of strong X-ray-excited fluorescence in an integrated experiment using our 10kJ class GEKKO XII Nd-glass laser system. A sophisticated neutron detection system using APLF80+3Pr or 3Ce will be used for the first fast ignition experiment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]