LiBaF3, a scintillator for thermal-neutron detection with optimal n-γ discrimination

We report on the scintillation properties of a LiBaF3 crystal when irradiated with thermal neutrons or gamma rays. This scintillator exhibits cross luminescence and self-trapped-exciton luminescence. The former does not show up under thermal-neutron irradiation, whereas both give a response under gamma irradiation. This offers a unique opportunity for thermal-neutron-gamma discrimination. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated.