Computational investigation of arranged scintillating particle composites for fast neutron detection

Wiggins, Brenden; Favalli, Andrea; Iliev, Metodi; Ianakiev, Kiril D; Hehlen, Markus P.

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2018.10.165

Cited by 7 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 18 publications

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“…A simpler solution, as is demonstrated in this proceeding, takes advantage of geometrically optimized scintillator particles. Wiggins et al have shown that the degree of n-γ discrimination in GS20 can be controlled via the scintillator particle size and spacing, thus mitigating the need for complex PSD readouts and algorithms [15].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance assessment of a compact neutron detector module based on scintillating composites

Richards

Wiggins

Iliev

et al. 2022

Hard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XXIV

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A composite fast neutron detector module based on the 6Li(n,α) 3H reaction in 6Li-enriched GS20® scintillating glass has been engineered to be compact, robust, and tunable. The solid scintillating composite consists of only three components, all commercially sourced, and can be optically coupled to silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) to create a highly capable and portable neutron detector module. The composite provides moderation of incident fast neutrons through an optically transparent organic matrix and achieves high gamma rejection by the use of small scintillating particles. The performance of the module was assessed by measurements of the die-away time and the sensitivity to both gammas and neutrons. Controlled scintillation light losses enable determination of the neutron capture location along the length of the cylindrical composite. Optical raytracing was used to predict the light-transport efficiencies and the longitudinal position dependency of scintillation events within the module. These assessments indicate that this module can be effective in the detection of nuclear material for nonproliferation, safeguards and security applications, and in fundamental and applied science.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance assessment of a compact neutron detector module based on scintillating composites

Richards

Wiggins

Iliev

et al. 2022

Hard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XXIV

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Neutron Detectors

Henzlova,

Baker,

Bartlett

et al. 2024

Nondestructive Assay of Nuclear Materials for Safeguards and Security

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This chapter describes the principles of operation of the main types of neutron detector that are used in nondestructive assay. One section is devoted to gas detectors (3He and BF3) as well as boron-lined detectors, proton recoil detectors and fission chambers. A second section describes scintillation detectors. The description includes a discussion of light collection and signal acquisition. The measurement of neutron energy spectra is also described.

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Investigations of radiation damaged arranged scintillating particle composites

Wiggins

Richards

Nelson

et al. 2021

Journal of Applied Physics

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Composites consisting of periodically arranged scintillating particles within an acrylic (poly methyl methacrylate) matrix are excellent templates for the gamma-insensitive detection of fast neutrons. In order to study the impact of radiation damage on acrylic-based scintillating particle composites, we exposed acrylic samples to different doses of fast neutrons up to 119.7 kGy and investigated the change in optical characteristics using optical absorption spectroscopy in the 200–800 nm wavelength range. The experimental results are compared to coupled MCNP6 and optical ray-tracing (FRED) simulations, and qualitative agreement is found. Neutron-induced radiation damage in the acrylic matrix manifests as a red-shift in the ultra-violet absorption edge of the acrylic and a corresponding decrease in the light propagation efficiency, which leads to detector performance degradation. We show for the first time that the effects of radiation damage can be mitigated by the use of wavelength-shifting coatings. We predict that composites with wavelength-shifting coatings can enable neutron detectors with high tolerance against neutron-induced radiation damage, a property that is particularly desired for neutron detection in high radiation environments.

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Computational investigation of arranged scintillating particle composites for fast neutron detection

Cited by 7 publications

References 18 publications

Performance assessment of a compact neutron detector module based on scintillating composites

Performance assessment of a compact neutron detector module based on scintillating composites

Neutron Detectors

Investigations of radiation damaged arranged scintillating particle composites

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