Solid State Neutron Sensor

Unexpected coupling between nuclear reaction cross sections and the solid state of metal deuterides has been demonstrated in layered Pd-PdO deuterided structures. As a result, high rates of charged particle and neutron measurements have been observed through a reaction initiated by altering the chemical state of the system. Moreover, the system acts as an amplifier of fast neutrons, with a 200-to-1 gain. If controllable, this mechanism could result in an ability to tremendously enhance low-level neutron signals. As a result, it would be possible to detect extremely small neutron sources, an important requirement for nonproliferation concerns. In addition, the pulsed radiation sources could be used to interrogate suspected nuclear material in order to detect the presence of nuclear weapons materials. The development of radiation detectors in itself is an extremely viable military and commercial enterprise. As a radiation source, this process has important applications in medicine as well as scientific research. In addition, the process represents an economical means for producing radio-nuclides for medical and scientific purposes.