In this work, we describe the development of a new scintillation material, Li₂MnCl₄, which appears to be a promising candidate for thermal neutron detection. This material combines a high lithium content, low density, and low effective atomic number, making it suitable for applications requiring efficient neutron detection with minimal sensitivity to gamma radiation. Due to its emission in the red to infrared spectral region, it is ideal for use with modern semiconductor photodetectors. In this study, we thoroughly examined and described the luminescence mechanism in Li₂MnCl₄ and investigated the effect of Eu²⁺ and Ce³⁺ doping on improving its scintillation properties. These results suggest that Li₂MnCl₄-based materials could be utilized for remote neutron flux monitoring, including in demanding environments such as nuclear power plant decommissioning.
