On a neutron detector based on TlInSe2 crystals intercalated with a lithium isotope

Abstract

The possibility of increasing the sensitivity of a neutron detector based on a TlInSe₂ crystal by introducing the ⁶Li isotope into this crystal is investigated. Introduction of the isotope is conducted by the method of electrochemical intercalation from aqueous and nonaqueous solutions of LiCl and also from the melt of the LiCl–KCl eutectic. It is shown that intercalation by the electrochemical method from a LiCl solution in propylene carbonate, performed along the “c” axis of the crystal (along strong bond chains) is efficient. The attained concentration of introduced lithium amounts to (1–1.2) × 10²¹ cm^–3, which increased the sensitivity of the detector by approximately four times. Good agreement between the calculated and experimental values of the detector sensitivity is demonstrated.