Low-temperature electrical resistivity characteristics of fast-neutron-irradiated CdS: New concepts in neutron detection

Time dependent electrical resistivity changes at low temperature in fast-neutron irradiated CdS have been studied. The experiments were on low-resistivity single crystals, and the electrical changes result from radioactive decay effects induced by the fast-neutron irradiation. Results show that following neutron irradiation and upon lowering the sample temperature, the resistivity decreases with time and approaches a stable value. These effects are attributed to trapping phenomena, and can be erased by increasing the temperature. The time dependent electrical changes associated with radioactive decay provide a new means for neutron detection.