Initial results from new 3D neutron detectors

Mendicino, R.; Bagolini, Alvise; Boscardin, M.; Betta, G.-F. Dalla; Laidani, N.

doi:10.1088/1748-0221/11/11/c11002

Cited by 6 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…For applications in neutron imaging with thermal neutrons, planar silicon detectors coated with neutron converting materials ( 10 B and 6 Li) have shown promising results in terms of spatial and time resolution [1]. Neutrons interacting with 10 B and 6 Li converter layers create two different reactions. The first results in the generation of α-particles and lithium-ions ( 10 B) and the second in α-particles and tritium-ions ( 6 Li).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The sensors were designed and fabricated at SINTEF MiNaLab, Oslo, Norway. The basic sensor architecture is conceptually similar to the one reported in [6]. A number of modifications were made to the sensor geometry based on SINTEF's expertise on sensor design and 3D detector technology, with the intent of further increasing the overall neutron detection efficiency.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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3D silicon detectors for neutron imaging applications

et al. 2023

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Neutron detection is of great importance in many fields spanning from scientific research, to nuclear science, and to medical application. The development of silicon-based neutron detectors with enhanced neutron detection efficiency can offer several advantages such as spatial resolution, enhanced dynamic range and background discrimination. In this work, increased detection efficiency is pursued by fabricating high aspect ratio 3D micro-structures filled with neutron converting materials (B4C) on planar silicon detectors. An in-depth feasibility study was carried out in all aspects of the sensor fabrication technology. Passivation of the etched structures was studied in detail, to ensure good electrical performance. The conformal deposition of B4C with a newly developed process showed excellent results. Preliminary electrical characterisation of the completed devices is promising, and detectors have been mounted on dedicated boards in view of the upcoming tests with neutrons.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

3D silicon detectors for neutron imaging applications

et al. 2023

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“…The device concept builds upon the approach that we have previously tested with a custom technology in the INFN HYDE project (HYbrid DEtectors of neutrons) [ 21 , 22 ], aiming at improving both detection efficiency and spatial resolution.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A CMOS-MEMS Pixel Sensor for Thermal Neutron Imaging

Mendicino

Betta

2023

Micromachines

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A monolithic pixel sensor with high spatial granularity (35 × 40 μm2) is presented, aiming at thermal neutron detection and imaging. The device is made using the CMOS SOIPIX technology, with Deep Reactive-Ion Etching post-processing on the backside to obtain high aspect-ratio cavities that will be filled with neutron converters. This is the first monolithic 3D sensor ever reported. Owing to the microstructured backside, a neutron detection efficiency up to 30% can be achieved with a 10B converter, as estimated by the Geant4 simulations. Each pixel includes circuitry that allows a large dynamic range and energy discrimination and charge-sharing information between neighboring pixels, with a power dissipation of 10 µW per pixel at 1.8 V power supply. The initial results from the experimental characterization of a first test-chip prototype (array of 25 × 25 pixels) in the laboratory are also reported, dealing with functional tests using alpha particles with energy compatible with the reaction products of neutrons with the converter materials, which validate the device design.

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“…Although in principle some X-ray detectors, developed in the past, may be used for our purpose [7], their pixel dimensions and their synchronous operation are not suitable for neutron imaging. Starting from the encouraging results obtained from the development of 3D silicon sensors for neutron detection and high energy physics [8][9][10], we have started the DEEP 3D (Detectors for neutron imaging with Embedded Electronics Produced in 3D technology) project, aiming at the development of a 3D monolithic sensor for neutron imaging. The DEEP 3D approach is essentially based on a standard planar process with the addition of etched trenches on the back side to be filled with the converter material [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Starting from the encouraging results obtained from the development of 3D silicon sensors for neutron detection and high energy physics [8][9][10], we have started the DEEP 3D (Detectors for neutron imaging with Embedded Electronics Produced in 3D technology) project, aiming at the development of a 3D monolithic sensor for neutron imaging. The DEEP 3D approach is essentially based on a standard planar process with the addition of etched trenches on the back side to be filled with the converter material [9]. We have developed a new active pixel sensor for heavy ions having energies compatible with the reaction products of the most common neutron converter materials.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and characterization of a novel alpha particle SOI pixel sensor for neutron detection

et al. 2022

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Semiconductor sensors for neutron detection have been initially proposed as direct replacement of 3He detectors but have recently raised interest in imaging systems. We have developed a monolithic sensor with high spatial granularity in SOIPIX technology for the detection of alpha particles of energy compatible with the reaction products of neutrons with typical converter materials. The chipset is composed by the main pixel matrix and the test structures needed for a better understanding of the chip functionality and for studying the electronic tuning strategies. The fabricated prototypes have been recently delivered and the first tests under alpha source have been performed. In this paper we will present the proposed devices and the results of the experimental characterization.

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Initial results from new 3D neutron detectors

Cited by 6 publications

References 17 publications

3D silicon detectors for neutron imaging applications

3D silicon detectors for neutron imaging applications

A CMOS-MEMS Pixel Sensor for Thermal Neutron Imaging

Development and characterization of a novel alpha particle SOI pixel sensor for neutron detection

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