Scintillation Light Detection in Polycrystalline Diamond Using Single Photon Detectors

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of polycrystalline diamond as a cost-effective scintillator for neutron and alpha detection, demonstrating its potential for portable radiation detection with good efficiency and gamma insensitivity.

Contribution

It introduces a novel application of polycrystalline diamond powders in neutron detection, combining experimental and simulation methods to evaluate performance.

Findings

Polycrystalline diamond responds to alpha radiation with detectable scintillation signals.

The prototype neutron detector shows promising efficiency and gamma insensitivity.

Polycrystalline diamond offers a cost-effective alternative to monocrystalline scintillators.

Abstract

This study investigates the scintillation properties of polycrystalline diamond for particle detection applications, particularly in neutron and alpha radiation environments. Polycrystalline diamonds provide a cost-effective alternative to monocrystalline diamonds while retaining essential detection properties. Photoluminescence measurements were performed to analyze emission spectra, revealing distinct characteristics based on impurity content and crystallinity. Scintillation responses were assessed using Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs), demonstrating the capability of polycrystalline diamond powders to respond to alpha irradiation, albeit with reduced resolution compared to traditional scintillators. A prototype neutron detector was developed by combining diamond powder with neutron-sensitive ${}^6$LiF, and its performance was evaluated through experimental testing and Geant4 simulations. The findings indicate that polycrystalline diamond-based detectors can achieve significant detection efficiency while remaining insensitive to gamma radiation, offering potential for portable neutron detection applications.