First tests of 6Li doped glass scintillators for ultracold neutron detection

We report the results of test measurements aimed at determining the performances of Li-6 doped glass scintillators for the detection of ultra-cold neutrons. Four types of scintillators, GS1, GS3, GS10 and GS20, which differ by their Li-6 concentrations, have been tested. The signal to background separation is fully acceptable. The relative detection efficiencies have been determined as a function of the neutron velocity. We find that GS10 has a higher efficiency than the others for the detection of neutrons with velocities below 7 m/s. Two pieces of scintillators have been irradiated with a high flux of cold neutrons to test the radiation hardness of the glasses. No reduction in the pulse height has been observed up to an absorbed neutron dose of 1 x 10(13) cm(-3).