Characterization of LaCl3:Ce detectors for prompt fission gamma-ray measurements

The properties of cylindrical 1.5//×1.5//LaCl3:Cescintillation detectors were determined. For the energy resolution values between 3.8 and 4.2% at 662 keV were observed, following the expected E-1/2 behavior. The intrinsic full peak efficiency was determined to be more than 50% higher than for NaI:Tl detectors of same size. The observed intrinsic timing resolution for 60Co was estimated to 441 ps and the intrinsic activity of the lanthanum crystals was assessed. © 2009 American Institute of Physics.