A novel fast-neutron detector concept for energy-selective imaging and imaging spectroscopy

Journal Article · Tue Jul 15 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4890392· OSTI ID:22308672

Cortesi, M.; Prasser, H. -M. ^[1]; Dangendorf, V. ^[2]; Zboray, R. ^[3]

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1. Nuclear Energy and Safety Research Department, Paul Scherrer Institut, Villigen PSI 5234 (Switzerland)
2. Ion and Neutron Radiation Department, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig 38116 (Germany)
3. Mechanical Engineering Department, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich 8092 (Switzerland)

We present and discuss the operational principle of a new fast-neutron detector concept suitable for either energy-selective imaging or for imaging spectroscopy. The detector is comprised of a series of energy-selective stacks of converter foils immersed in a noble-gas based mixture, coupled to a position-sensitive charge readout. Each foil in the various stacks is made of two layers of different thicknesses, fastened together: a hydrogen-rich (plastic) layer for neutron-to-proton conversion, and a hydrogen-free coating to selectively stop/absorb the recoil protons below a certain energy cut-off. The neutron-induced recoil protons, that escape the converter foils, release ionization electrons in the gas gaps between consecutive foils. The electrons are then drifted towards and localized by a position-sensitive charge amplification and readout stage. Comparison of the images detected by stacks with different energy cut-offs allows energy-selective imaging. Neutron energy spectrometry is realized by analyzing the responses of a sufficient large number of stacks of different energy response and unfolding techniques. In this paper, we present the results of computer simulation studies and discuss the expected performance of the new detector concept. Potential applications in various fields are also briefly discussed, in particularly, the application of energy-selective fast-neutron imaging for nuclear safeguards application, with the aim of determining the plutonium content in Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuels.

• OSTI ID: 22308672
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 85, Issue 7; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ELECTRONS
FAST NEUTRONS
FOILS
HYDROGEN
IONIZATION
MIXED OXIDE FUELS
NEUTRON CONVERTERS
NEUTRON DETECTORS
PLASTICS
PLUTONIUM
POSITION SENSITIVE DETECTORS
PROTONS
RARE GASES
READOUT SYSTEMS
RECOILS
SAFEGUARDS
SPECTROSCOPY