High Performance Thermal Neutron Detector

70644 Thermal neutron detectors, used in facilities for materials science, would benefit from improved detection efficiency, time response, spatial resolution, light output, and affordability for large areas. Existing detectors are limited in at least one of these characteristics. This project will develop neutron detectors using boron films and silicon microchannel plates, initially with phosphor output. Their performance will excel due to boron's large absorption cross-section, silicon microchannel plate resolution, and gain. Silicon processing would make the detectors consistent and affordable. The use of fast, efficient phosphors would enable nanosecond time response and light output per neutron exceeding existing scintillators. Novel tiling schemes will be employed to fabricate detectors exceeding wafer dimensions. Phase I will fabricate a 25 mm diameter device and measure key performance characteristics (temporal resolution, spatial resolution, detection efficiency and light output). Also a redesigned device, with some key parameters varied to improve performance, will also be fabricated. Lastly, a detailed plan to fabricate large detectors will be developed. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Neutron science, radiography for non-destructive testing, and security applications all would benefit from these high performance area detectors.