Improved Thermal Neutron Imaging Method

Improved neutron imaging methods, to couple with the new availability of non-reactor sources for neutron radiography, are needed to expand the use of this nondestructive testing method. this proposal addresses the development of improved scintillators for thermal (and cold) neutron imaging and the development of a complete imager employing new solid state cameras. This new approach for neutron imaging offers the promise of improvements in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, dynamic range, ontrast and spatial resolution. The imaging detector can be used for both prompt response and static situations. The program will include a comparison of neutron scintillators, including new materials such as boron nitride and gadolinium oxide-based ceramic scintillators. comparisions of selected scintillators used with a 12-bit CCD camera system will be made with present state-of-the-art thermal neutron imaging systems. These evaluations will point the way toward the development of an improved neutron imaging system for development in Phase II, one that will couple well with new acclerator neutron sources. Although the major emphasis in Phase I will be thermal neutron imaging, attention will also be given to neutron imaging in other energy ranges.