Identification of prompt fission gamma-rays with lanthanum-chloride scintillation detectors

In this paper we demonstrate the employment of LaCl3 : Ce scintillation detectors for the identification of prompt fission gamma-rays from gamma-radiation in contrast to other reactions. We present the properties of cylindrical 1.5 in. x 1.5 in. detectors in terms of intrinsic activity, energy resolution, intrinsic full peak efficiency and intrinsic timing resolution. In addition, we show results from the measurement of gamma-rays emitted in coincidence with the spontaneous fission of Cf-252, which lead us to the conclusion that the properties of the detectors used in this work, in particular the good timing resolution and a reasonably good energy resolution, are more than just sufficient for the assessment of prompt gamma-heat in future nuclear reactors as requested by the OECD. Hence, in our opinion, LaCl3 : Ce detectors, compared to those made out of LaBr3 : Ce crystals, represent an appropriate and quasi low-cost choice for the above mentioned applications.