Experimental measurements with a LiF(W) scintillator

We have constructed a scintillation detector using LiF(W) and studied its response to neutron and gamma sources. We could not detect any signals from low energy photons because its scintillation efficiency is only 6-7% of the efficiency of NaI(Tl). We did observe the Compton edges due to ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K sources. We also observed thermal neutrons by the reaction ⁶Li(n, α) ³H. The thermal neutron peak had a resolution (FWHM) of ≈17%. Finally, we observed events due to the cosmic ray muon flux in our laboratory.