Identification of prompt fission γ-rays with lanthanum-chloride scintillation detectors

In this paper we demonstrate the employment of LaCl3:Ce scintillation detectors for the identification of prompt fission γ-rays from γ-radiation in contrast to other reactions. We present the properties of cylindrical 1.5 in.×1.5 in. detectors in terms of intrinsic activity, energy resolution, intrinsic full peak efficiency and intrinsic timing resolution. In addition, we show results from the measurement of γ-rays emitted in coincidence with the spontaneous fission of 252Cf, which lead us to the conclusion that the properties of the detectors used in this work, in particular the good timing resolution and a reasonably good energy resolution, are more than just sufficient for the assessment of prompt γ-heat in future nuclear reactors as requested by the OECD. Hence, in our opinion, LaCl3:Ce detectors, compared to those made out of LaBr3:Ce crystals, represent an appropriate and quasi low-cost choice for the above mentioned applications.