Lithium-containing chalcophosphates for thermal neutron detection
Inorganic compounds having the formula LiMP 2 Q 6 , where M is Ga, In, Bi, Sb, As, Al, or a combination thereof, and Q is S and/or Se, are provided. Methods and devices for detecting incident neutrons and alpha-particles using the compounds are also provided. For thermal neutron detection applications, the compounds can be enriched with lithium-6 isotope ( 6 Li) to enhance their neutron detecting capabilities.
1. A method for detecting thermal neutrons or alpha particles, the method comprising:
applying an electric field across a single-crystal of a lithium-containing chalcophosphate compound having the formula LiMP 2 Q 6 , where M is Ga, In, Bi, Sb, As, Al, or a combination thereof, and Q is S, Se, or a combination thereof;
exposing the single-crystal to incident neutrons or alpha particles, wherein the single-crystal absorbs incident neutrons or alpha particles, resulting in the generation of an electrical signal; and
detecting the electrical signal.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the Li comprises 6 Li.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound is a quaternary compound.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the compound is doped with an external dopant.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the compound has the formula LiIn x M 1-x P 2 Se 6 , where M is the external dopant and x has a value in the range from 0.00001 to 0.05.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the compound is LiIn x Cd 1-x P 2 Se 6 , where Cd is the dopant and x has a value in the range from 0.00001 to 0.03.
7. The method of claim 3 having the formula LiInP 2 Se 6 .
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the Li comprises 6 Li.