Conversion of fast neutrons for neutron radiography with TPX2 detector

Abstract

The Timepix2-based hybrid-pixel detector with a 500 μm thick silicon sensor was employed for fast-neutrons registration to be applied in neutron radiography of metallic printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE). Two energies of neutrons were experimentally tested. The detection of 3.55 MeV neutrons from the deuteron–deuteron (DD) reaction was compared to 15.7 MeV neutrons from the deuteron–tritium (DT) neutron generator. In order to distinguish the signal induced by the registered neutrons from the accelerator background, filtration of the recorded particle spectral tracks was applied. The benefit of applying hydrogen-based converter layer for 3.55 MeV neutrons was observable. On the other hand, in the case of 15.7 MeV neutrons, the direct registration by interaction with the sensor Si significantly dominates the conversion.