Gamma-ray sensitivity and shielding of a neutron imaging plate

The energy dependence of gamma-ray sensitivity of a neutron imaging plate (NIP) has been measured. The gamma-ray sensitivity is equivalent to one half that of a thermal neutron at a gamma-ray energy less than 300 keV, and 1/40 at greater than 300 keV. The shielding of the NIP, by lead, from gamma rays in the experimental hall of the reactor JRR-3M of the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) was measured. It was found that lead of thickness 40 mm is sufficient to reduce the gamma-ray background to 1/10 on a normalized scale. Covering the NIP with lead foil of thickness 1 mm results in a decrease of the gamma-ray background without reduction of the neutron signal.