Stilbene Production for Fast Neutron Detection

The detection of neutrons is a critical capability for the identification of special nuclear
materials in homeland security applications. Both plutonium and uranium can be
detected by their neutron signatures. Next-generation detectors should efficiently detect
fission neutrons, even in a high background of gamma rays. Neutron detection systems
consisting of 3He have found widespread use due to their neutron/gamma discrimination
capabilities; however, 3He systems cannot directly detect fission neutrons and
availability is now limited. Organic scintillation crystals such as stilbene offer direct fast
neutron detection with high efficiency and good neutron/gamma discrimination.
Recently, solution crystal growth has been demonstrated as a route towards the largescale
production of organic scintillators. Growth of inorganic crystals from solution is an
established commercial process; skilled practitioners can scale their operation to
produce significant quantities of high quality material. The overall objective of the
proposed effort is to demonstrate a method for industrial production of stilbene neutron
detectors.