Combined Solid-State Neutron Gamma High Efficiency Detector

NOVA proposes development of a novel combined solid-state neutron and gamma detector achieved by integrating 10B/Gd loaded neutron-sensitive microchannel plates with high performance scintillators and readout to provide both neutron and gamma detection within a single unit. NOVA will team with St. Gobain Crystals for expertise in high speed scintillators and coupled light-sensitive readouts; and the Remote Sensing Laboratory operated by National Security Technologies (Andrews AFB) for calibration and performance of the detector system with 252Cf and gamma sources. Together this team can address the difficult challenge of low-flux neutron detection in high gamma fields. The successful conclusion of this work will provide a compact prototype system that can be commercialized. A neutron event triggers a large electron pulse which can then be easily registered by pulse counting electronics. A fast gamma scintillator provides timing verification of the neutron 10B/Gd reaction. The gamma detector also operates as an independent gamma detector with energy resolution capabilities. Targeted to be competitive with 3He tubes, NOVA will design and assemble prototype hardware and initially test the performance with small gamma sources and thermal neutrons on a suitable reactor beam. Final testing and performance characterization will be carried out using fast neutron sources at NSTs Andrews facilities.