High-Resolution, Two-Dimensional Neutron Imaging Detector

NOVA Scientific proposes a high-resolution neutron imaging detector having a specialized neutron-sensitive electron amplified detection stage integrated with a cross-strip electronic readout capable of centroid averaging. Phase 1 efforts demonstrated spatial resolutions of 15 µm with high detection efficiency and moderate counting rates. The Phase 2 proposed program will carry out further detector enhancements with construction of neutron-sensitive 40 mm MCPs having 5 µm pores on 6 µm centers and a specialized bias angle to enhance detection efficiency. The MCP glass will be specially formulate to minimize gamma noise events. Integrated with a more advanced electronic readout, the system objectives are < 10 µm spatial resolution and MHz counting rates along with a reduced sensitivity to gamma ray photons. Using an MCP collimator add-on to remove scattered neutrons, the system will be demonstrated on a NIST neutron beamline and the hardware delivered for future studies. Applications include high-resolution neutron radiography for fuel cells and nondestructive testing, neutron scattering, SANS experimentation, neutron beam diagnostics, and materials research. The detector system will strongly support the diagnostic capabilities of the Neutron Imaging Facility (NIF) at NIST and assist in reestablishing U.S. leadership in neutron imaging technology. COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS: High-resolution neutron imaging will provide improved diagnostics of transport across hydrogen fuel cell membranes, permit enhanced experimentation for neutron scattering, small angle scattering, materials research, and nondestructive testing of high density components. It will provide the NIST Neutron Imaging Facility (NIF) with state-of-the-art neutron radiographic capabilities.