We present results demonstrating neutron detection via a closely spaced converter structure coupled to low pressure noble gas scintillation instrumented by a single photo-multiplier tube (PMT). The converter is dispersed throughout the gas volume using a reticulated vitreous carbon foam coated with boron carbide (B4C). A calibrated cold neutron beam is used to measure the neutron detection properties, using a thin film of enriched 10B as a reference standard. Monte Carlo computations of the ion energy deposition are discussed, including treatment of the foam random network. Results from this study indicate that the foam shadows a significant portion of the scintillation light from the PMT. The high scintillation yield of Xe appears to overcome the light loss, facilitating neutron detection and presenting interesting opportunities for neutron detector design.
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2 March 2015
Research Article|
March 04 2015
Demonstration of neutron detection utilizing open cell foam and noble gas scintillation
C. M. Lavelle
;
C. M. Lavelle
a)
1
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
, Asymmetric Operations Department, Laurel, Maryland 20723, USA
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M. Coplan;
M. Coplan
2Institute for Physical Science and Technology,
University of Maryland College Park
, Maryland 20142, USA
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E. C. Miller;
E. C. Miller
1
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
, Asymmetric Operations Department, Laurel, Maryland 20723, USA
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Alan K. Thompson
;
Alan K. Thompson
3
National Institute of Standards and Technology
, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
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A. L. Kowler;
A. L. Kowler
4Department of Chemical Physics,
University of Maryland
, College Park, Maryland 20142, USA
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Robert E. Vest;
Robert E. Vest
3
National Institute of Standards and Technology
, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
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A. T. Yue;
A. T. Yue
3
National Institute of Standards and Technology
, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
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T. Koeth;
T. Koeth
5Institute for Research in Electronics and Applied Physics,
University of Maryland
, College Park, Maryland 20142, USA
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M. Al-Sheikhly;
M. Al-Sheikhly
6Department of Materials Science and Engineering,
University of Maryland
, College Park, Maryland 20742, USA
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Charles W. Clark
Charles W. Clark
2Institute for Physical Science and Technology,
University of Maryland College Park
, Maryland 20142, USA
3
National Institute of Standards and Technology
, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
7Joint Quantum Institute,
National Institute of Standards and Technology and University of Maryland
, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
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Appl. Phys. Lett. 106, 094103 (2015)
Article history
Received:
December 23 2014
Accepted:
February 21 2015
Citation
C. M. Lavelle, M. Coplan, E. C. Miller, Alan K. Thompson, A. L. Kowler, Robert E. Vest, A. T. Yue, T. Koeth, M. Al-Sheikhly, Charles W. Clark; Demonstration of neutron detection utilizing open cell foam and noble gas scintillation. Appl. Phys. Lett. 2 March 2015; 106 (9): 094103. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4914001
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