Gamma discrimination in pillar structured thermal neutron detectors

Q. Shao; R. P. Radev; A. M. Conway; L. F. Voss; T. F. Wang; R. J. Nikolić; N. Deo; C. L. Cheung

doi:10.1117/12.918513

4 May 2012 Gamma discrimination in pillar structured thermal neutron detectors

Q. Shao, R. P. Radev, A. M. Conway, L. F. Voss, T. F. Wang, R. J. Nikolić, N. Deo, C. L. Cheung

Proceedings Volume 8358, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XIII; 83581N (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.918513
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2012, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Abstract

Solid-state thermal neutron detectors are desired to replace ³He tube based technology for the detection of special nuclear materials. ³He tubes have some issues with stability, sensitivity to microphonics and very recently, a shortage of ³He. There are numerous solid-state approaches being investigated that utilize various architectures and material combinations. By using the combination of high-aspect-ratio silicon PIN pillars, which are 2 μm wide with a 2 μm separation, arranged in a square matrix, and surrounded by ¹⁰B, the neutron converter material, a high efficiency thermal neutron detector is possible. Besides intrinsic neutron detection efficiency, neutron to gamma discrimination is an important figure of merit for unambiguous signal identification. In this work, theoretical calculations and experimental measurements are conducted to determine the effect of structure design of pillar structured thermal neutron detectors including: intrinsic layer thickness, pillar height, substrate doping and incident gamma energy on neutron to gamma discrimination.

Citation Download Citation

Q. Shao, R. P. Radev, A. M. Conway, L. F. Voss, T. F. Wang, R. J. Nikolić, N. Deo, and C. L. Cheung "Gamma discrimination in pillar structured thermal neutron detectors", Proc. SPIE 8358, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XIII, 83581N (4 May 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.918513

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