Transparent matrix structures for detection of neutron particles based on di-ureasil xerogels

An important element in the development of advanced neutron detectors is the synthesis and characterization of improved, highly efficient neutron-scintillating materials. The research described here concerns the development of elastic, transparent, and thick film neutron scintillators with high 6Li+ loading through room-temperature sol-gel processing. The room-temperature sol-gel processing allows an easy integration of such scintillating materials into electronic detecting devices. The lithium-6 salicylate di-ureasil xerogels developed here show promise for the fabrication of large area neutron detectors and have high potential for use in in situ monitoring and imaging of fissile materials and radioactive contaminants