Work

An investigation of neutron detection based on a consumer CMOS camera with a lens cap containing a neutron conversion layer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Conventional neutron detection techniques are often limited by high costs and operational complexity. To develop a convenient and cost-effective solution, a novel neutron detection method based on a consumer CMOS camera with a lens cap containing a layer of neutron scintillator has been proposed. The performance of a consumer CMOS camera has been tested using 137 Cs gamma-rays. Neutron detection experiments have been carried out using a 238 Pu-Be neutron source and the results from four different lens caps – lens cap #1 (Empty), lens cap #2 (Gd 2 O 3 ), lens cap #3 ( 6 LiF/ZnS=1:1) and lens cap #4 ( 6 LiF/ZnS=1:2) – have been analyzed. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed approach, while also highlighting the challenges in neutron/gamma signal discrimination.

Source: Radiation Measurements

DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2026.107632

Authors: Jiale Mao, Shumin Zhou, Youchun Xiao, Jingquan Liu, Song Feng

Institutions: University of South China, Tsinghua University

Language: English

Topic: Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies

Subfield: Radiation

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,690

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province, Science and Technology Program of Hunan Province