Solid-State Thermal-Neutron Detector Based on Boron-Doped a-Se Stabilized Alloy Films

72122S03-I For the investigation of structural, magnetic, and acoustic properties of materials, thermal neutrons have been proved to be the most useful probes. However, currently available thermal neutron detectors, based on large gas counters or scintillator-photomultiplier tubes, have limitations in detection efficiency, stability of response, speed of operation, and physical size. This project will construct a large-area, lightweight, high-resolution, and very fast position sensitive thermal neutron detector based on B-doped a-Se (As, Cl) stabilized alloy films. This new generation detector will offer high detection efficiency over existing instruments. Phase I will develop and optimize B-doped a-Se alloy films, fabricate the detector, and develop performance evaluation techniques. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The new thermal neutron detector should have application to homeland security, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear physics research, radiation safety, environmental monitoring, structural biology, protein dynamics, and the monitoring of chemical and biological reactions in ¿real time¿.