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A new high-resolution detector setup for neutron imaging has been developed based on infinity-corrected optics with high light collection, combined with customized mounting hardware. The system can easily be installed, handled and fitted to any existing facility, avoiding the necessity of complex optical systems or further improved electronics (CCD). This is the first time optical magnification higher than 1:1 has been used with scintillator-based neutron detectors, as well as the first implementation of infinity corrected optics for neutron imaging, achieving the smallest yet reported effective pixel size of 3.375 µm. A novel transparent crystal scintillator (GGG crystal) has been implemented with neutrons for the first time to overcome limitations of traditional powder scintillators (Li6/ZnS, Gadox). The standardized procedure for resolution measurements with the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) is summarized to facilitate comparison between instruments and facilities. Using this new detector setup, a resolution of 14.8 µm with a field of view of 6 mm ×6 mm has been achieved while maintaining reasonable count times. These advances open a wide range of new possible research applications and allow the potential for additional future developments.

To cite this article: P-A Douissard et al 2012 JINST 7 P09016 View the article online for updates and enhancements. Related content Detection system for microimaging with neutrons S H Williams, A Hilger, N Kardjilov et al.-Characterisation of microfocused beam for synchrotron powder diffraction using a new X-ray camera C Thomas, J Potter, C C Tang et al.-Laminographic imaging using synchrotron radiation-challenges and opportunities Lukas Helfen, Feng Xu, Heikki Suhonen et al.-Recent citations Epitaxial growth of single crystalline film scintillating screens based on Eu3+ doped RAlO3 (R = Y, Lu, Gd, Tb) perovskites V. Gorbenko et al-Mixing instabilities during shearing of metals Mohsen Pouryazdan et al-A transmission and reflection coupled ultrasonic process tomography based on cylindrical miniaturized transducers using PVDF films J. Gu et al

The efficiency of high-resolution pixel detectors for hard X-rays is nowadays one of the major criteria which drives the feasibility of imaging experiments and in general the performance of an experimental station for synchrotron-based microtomography and radiography. Here the luminescent screen used for the indirect detection is focused on in order to increase the detective quantum efficiency: a novel scintillator based on doped Lu(2)SiO(5) (LSO), epitaxially grown as thin film via the liquid phase epitaxy technique. It is shown that, by using adapted growth and doping parameters as well as a dedicated substrate, the scintillation behaviour of a LSO-based thin crystal together with the high stopping power of the material allows for high-performance indirect X-ray detection. In detail, the conversion efficiency, the radioluminescence spectra, the optical absorption spectra under UV/visible-light and the afterglow are investigated. A set-up to study the effect of the thin-film scintillator's temperature on its conversion efficiency is described as well. It delivers knowledge which is important when working with higher photon flux densities and the corresponding high heat load on the material. Additionally, X-ray imaging systems based on different diffraction-limited visible-light optics and CCD cameras using among others LSO-based thin film are compared. Finally, the performance of the LSO thin film is illustrated by imaging a honey bee leg, demonstrating the value of efficient high-resolution computed tomography for life sciences.

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