Work

Solid, structured composite neutron detectors with high dynamic range capability

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Neutron detectors are essential across disciplines such as fundamental science, nuclear security, safeguards, and civilian applications. While 3He-filled gas proportional counters have long been revered for their efficacy in detecting thermal neutrons and praised for their efficiency, neutron/gamma discrimination, and stability, the scarcity of 3He has spurred a search for alternatives. Here, we explore a solid structured scintillating particle composite (SPC) consisting of 6Li-containing scintillating glass particles within an acrylic matrix as a neutron detector for high dynamic range applications. We show for the first time that an SPC neutron detector can boast an intrinsic detection efficiency of 0.261% for pure 252Cf fission neutrons and an overall neutron detection efficiency of (0.546 ± 0.003)% at the Neutron Free-in-Air facility while being able to function in an intense gamma-ray environment. We also show that the SPC neutron detector supports fast neutron capture times and enables a dual-readout scheme that extends the detector dynamic range to high incident neutron fluxes. A scalable fabrication process allows for tailoring the SPC detector properties to the requirements of specific applications. Good agreement is found between the experimental results taken with a National Institute of Standards and Technology traceable 252Cf source and the coupled MCNP6 and optical-ray-tracing simulations.

Source: Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0220543

Authors: Brenden W. Wiggins, Cameron G. Richards, Thomas D. Mclean, Metodi Iliev, Andrea Favalli, Markus P. Hehlen