Microchannel Plate Imaging Neutron Detector

One highly desired improvement for neutron sensing is an imaging neutron detector with high two-dimensional spatial resolution and a large detector area. At present, achievable real-time neutron imaging detector resolution is only about 1 mm. The innovation proposed is to adapt for neutron imaging the high spatial resolution Microchannel Plate (MCP) detector technology so widely used for detecting charged particles and photons. Here, spatial resolution at the 25 micron level is routinely achieved, over formats as large as 10 x 10 cm(2). Previous attempts to use MCPs in neutron detection schemes employed either a Gd neutron-beta converter coupled to an MCP image intensifier with phosphor screen readout, or a thin Li glass scintillator optically coupled to the MCP, compromising the intrinsic MCP spatial resolution and dynamic range. In sharp contrast, this program proposes the combination of (n,"varies as") capture conversion and multiplication processes within the MCP bulk structure itself, fabricated using a lead glass which includes the isotope 10(B). In combination with a fast electronic readout, this innovation will result in a simple, efficient, rugged and compact imaging neutron detector with 15 to 25 um spatial resolution and high dynamic range.