Enhanced Efficiency Nanowire Photocathode for Large PMTs

65611 The characterization of materials with intense neutron beams at Department of Energy facilities requires advanced neutron detectors. However, the current generation of thermal neutron detectors is limited with regard to physical size and count rate (events/sec). Added drawbacks include high cost, fragility, and complexity. This project will develop thermal neutron detection technology that is rugged, low-cost, and compatible with large area detectors. Using a large array of straw detector elements, each of which has a very thin converter coating, the detector can be produced and assembled efficiently and economically. By incorporating modern integrated circuit technology, straws can be read out individually in parallel, permitting extremely high count rates to be achieved. In Phase I experimental testing will be used to identify optimal materials and design the individual straw elements. Techniques for array assembly and configuration will be developed and evaluated, and performance criteria, including operation stability, spatial resolution, and gamma ray discrimination, will be evaluated. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described be the awardee: A neutron detector that is compatible with large area detectors and achieves high count rates should enable progress in materials characterization and structural biology, resulting in advancements in biotechnology, the aviation and automobile industries, superconductivity research, and the identification of fissile materials in nuclear waste remediation and detection.