Composite Neutron-Gamma Detector

Current radiation detectors are typically capable of detecting only one type of radiation. Therefore, the detection systems require a number of individual detectors to be used for each type of radiation. Also the performance to cost ratio of the currently available scintillators is high which limits their mass deployment. The development of the proposed nuclear detector significantly improves the capability to identify multiple modes of radiation (gamma-rays and neutrons) along with very low cost compared to the commercially available detectors. The goal of the proposed effort is to develop a single detector capable of detecting multiple modes of radiation (gamma-rays and neutrons) with an enhanced gamma ray resolution at very low cost. The proposed detector also provides discrimination of gamma-rays from neutrons using pulse shape or / and pulse height analysis. The Phase I project will be aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of manufacturing larger volumes of scintillating material and constructing detectors based on this material for simultaneous gamma and neutron detection. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: A system capable of detection gamma and neutron radiations at cost approaching the coast of plastic scintillators will find application in nuclear non-proliferation. Moreover, fields such as nuclear physics, medical imaging, and material sciences will benefit from this technology.