Invention

This invention introduces a series of lithium-containing semiconductors LiMP2Q6 (M = In, Bi, Sb, As, Al, Ga; Q = S, Se, Te) for detecting thermalized neutrons. Lithium may be enriched lithium-6 or natural lithium. The very high resistivity of this compound allows for large-area detector and higher applied voltage on the compound, allowing for increased efficiency and gamma-ray discrimination.

Benefits

This material has the capacity to detect thermal neutrons with improved sensitivity and selectivity (thermal neutrons versus gamma rays) over prior art.