Low-cost, high efficiency neutron detector for mobile systems

The specific technical opportunity addressed in this project is to increase the efficiency density of a low-cost neutron detection technology, previously developed for affordable wide-area monitoring capability, to apply it to vehicle and other mobile systems that require higher detection densities to meet relevant ANSI standards. Creating detectors with higher efficiency density usually requires a nonlinear increase in cost and complexity of the detector, which can be at odds with the low-cost imperative to make this critical national security technology scalable. This effort is to investigate and apply the science needed to move the Li-6 metal, flat panel multi-wire proportional chamber (MWPC) technology to the required higher efficiency density, while maintaining or decreasing cost of the overall system.  This can enable widespread, scalable use of the gas-readout enriched lithium metal MWPC in ANSI-standard vehicular radiation detection systems. The Base includes concept design, prototyping, and testing steps leading to the a down-select of the design concept that best optimizes tradeoff between cost, complexity, and maximal efficiency density. Three iterations of the technology will be designed, prototyped, and tested, each with increasing technical risk as size, weight, and cost reductions are explored. Additionally, a combined hardware/software solution will be designed and tested for vibration attenuation to meet a stringent requirement for no erroneous signal creation within vehicular applications. The Option includes low-rate initial production (LRIP) and a testing campaign of ten vehicle systems.