High-resolution fast neutron imaging through synergistic composition engineering of organic inorganic hybrid manganese halides

Fast neutron imaging has emerged as an indispensable tool for non-destructive testing across diverse fields such as materials science, nuclear safety, and cultural heritage preservation. However, the detection of fast neutrons remains a significant challenge due to their weak interaction with conventional scintillation materials, necessitating scintillators with both high neutron detection efficiency and spatial resolution. In this study, we introduce a novel hydrogen-rich organic–inorganic hybrid manganese halide scintillator, (C₁₉H₁₈P)₂MnBr₄ (MP₂MnBr₄), which combines the advantages of organic amines and inorganic emitting frameworks at the molecular level. This design enables ultra-efficient energy transfer and high sensitivity, critical for fast neutron detection. The material achieves a remarkable light yield of 37,200 photons/MeV, significantly surpassing commercial standards, and sets a new benchmark in spatial resolution at 1.5 lp/mm. These advances make MP₂MnBr₄ a highly promising candidate for next-generation fast neutron scintillators, with broad applications in security inspections, non-destructive structural testing, and industrial exploration.