Advanced Multilayer Composite Heavy-Oxide Scintillator Detectors for High Efficiency Fast Neutron Detection
Loading...
Authors
Ryzhikov, Volodymyr D.
Naydenov, Sergei V.
Pochet, Thierry
Onyshchenko, Gennadiy M.
Smith, Craig F.
Subjects
Fast neutrons
neutron/gamma-ray detection
nuclear security
safeguards applications
scintillator detectors.
neutron/gamma-ray detection
nuclear security
safeguards applications
scintillator detectors.
Advisors
Date of Issue
2018
Date
Publisher
IEEE
Language
Abstract
We have developed and evaluated a new approach to fast neutron and neutron–gamma detection based on large-area multilayer composite heterogeneous detection media consisting of dispersed granules of small-crystalline scintillators contained in a transparent organic (plastic) matrix. Layers of the composite material are alternated with layers of transparent plastic scin- tillator material serving as light guides. The resulting detection medium—designated as ZEBRA—serves both as an active neutron converter and a detection scintillator which is designed to detect both neutrons and gamma quanta. The composite layers of the ZEBRA detector consist of small heavy-oxide scintillators in the form of granules of crystalline ZWO, BGO, GSO(Ce), and other materials. We have produced and tested the ZEBRA detector of sizes 100 mm × 100 mm × 41 mm, and determined that they have very high efficiency of fast neutron detection (up to 49% or greater), comparable to that which can be achieved by large sized heavy-oxide single crystals of about Ø40 × 80 cm3 volume. We have also studied the sensitivity variation of fast neutron detection by using different types of multilayer ZEBRA detectors of 100-cm2 surface area and 41-mm thickness (with a detector weight of about 1 kg) and found it to be comparable to the sensitivity of a 3He-detector representing a total cross section of about 2000 cm2 (with a weight of detector, including its plastic moderator, of about 120 kg). The measured count rate in response to a fast neutron source of 252Cf at 2 m for the ZEBRA- GSO(Ce) detector of size 100 mm × 100 mm × 41 mm was 2.84 Hz/ng of 252Cf isotope, and this count rate can be doubled by increasing the detector height (and area) up to 200 mm × 100 mm. In summary, the ZEBRA detectors represent a new type of high efficiency and low-cost large-area solid-state neutron detector that can be used for stationary neutron/gamma portals. They may represent an interesting alternative to expensive, bulky gas counters based on 3 He or 10 B neutron detection technologies.
Type
Article
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Physics
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
7 p.
Citation
Ryzhikov, Volodymyr D., et al. "Advanced Multilayer Composite Heavy-Oxide Scintillator Detectors for High-Efficiency Fast Neutron Detection." IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science 65.9 (2018): 2547-2553.
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.