Integration of a ⁶LilnSe₂ thermal neutron detector into a CubeSat instrument

Journal Article · Tue Nov 08 00:00:00 EST 2016 · Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JATIS.2.4.046001· OSTI ID:1409437

Egner, Joanna C. ^[1]; Groza, Michael ^[2]; Burger, Arnold ^[1]; Stassun, Keivan G. ^[1]; Buliga, Vladimir ^[2]; Matei, Liviu ^[2]; Bodnarik, Julia G. ^[3]; Stowe, Ashley C. ^[1]; Prettyman, Thomas H. ^[4]

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1. Vanderbilt Univ., Nashville, TN (United States)
2. Fisk Univ., Nashville, TN (United States)
3. Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ (United States)
4. Planetary Science Institute,Tucson, AZ (United States)

This paper describes the development of a preliminary compact and lightweight neutron detection system that uses the low power consuming CubeSat platform and will be especially effective for space-based applications. This is made possible using the novel ⁶LiInSe₂ scintillator crystal and a silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD). The schematics of this instrument are presented as well as the response of the instrument to initial testing under alpha radiation. The entire system weighs 670 grams and requires 5 volts direct current at 3 watts.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant (Y-12), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: NA0001942
• OSTI ID: 1409437
• Report Number(s): MS/STO-160412; TRN: US1703084
• Journal Information: Journal of Astronomical Telescopes, Instruments, and Systems, Vol. 2, Issue 4; ISSN 2329-4124
• Publisher: SPIE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
neutron detection instrument
CubeSat
scintillator
Si-APD