Radiation detection and classification of heavy oxide inorganic scintillator crystals for detection of fast neutrons
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Authors
Capps, Jacob W.
Subjects
heavy oxide inorganic scintillators
detection of fast neutrons
spectroscopy
gamma induced scintillation
neutron induced scintillation
spectral response
diffuse source
collimated source
detection of fast neutrons
spectroscopy
gamma induced scintillation
neutron induced scintillation
spectral response
diffuse source
collimated source
Advisors
Smith, Craig F.
Alves, Fabio
Date of Issue
2016-06
Date
Jun-16
Publisher
Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Improved detection of fast neutrons can help prevent illicit nuclear materials from being trafficked, and potentially used on American soil. To detect fast neutrons, most current systems use a multi-step process of thermalizing the neutrons, providing a medium or material for neutron capture or other interaction, and then detecting the resultant gamma radiation signal. Heavy inorganic oxide scintillators can detect fast neutrons without thermalization. Simplifying the complex, multi-step detection process into a single interaction and detection medium reduces the detection system's complexity while improving efficiency, compactness, and cost effectiveness. To understand how such scintillators respond to gamma and neutron radiation, we exposed selected scintillators to different gamma and neutron sources and measured the resulting emission responses with photomultiplier tubes and photonic devices. The resultant emission responses were found to depend on a variety of factors including temperature, crystal fabrication, and structure. In addition to considering these factors, the target material's relationship of response to the effective atomic number, Zeff, was characterized. Follow-on work is recommended to further characterize fast neutrons' spectral response to irradiation.
Type
Thesis
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Department
Physics
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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.