Thin-Film-Coated Detectors for Neutron Detection

Douglas S. McGregor
SMART Laboratory, University of Michigan
July 26, 2001

Abstract:

Semiconductor diode detectors coated with neutron reactive material are presently under investigation for various uses, such as remote sensing of thermal neutrons, fast neutron counting, and thermal neutron radiography. Several designs offer thermal neutron detection efficiencies ranging from 4% to 25% for devices less than one mm thick. Radiation endurance measurements indicate that the devices function well up to a limiting thermal neutron fluence of 10^13/cm^2, beyond which noticeable degradation occurs. Theoretical considerations on design properties and experimental measurements will be shown. Some discussion on future design possibilities will be presented.