Energy-sensitive fast neutron imaging detector and method for energy-sensitive fast neutron detection

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This invention provides a detector and method for imaging and determining the energy of fast neutrons. The device works by passing neutrons through a sequence of specially designed layered foils, which convert the neutrons into recoil protons. The energy of these protons is filtered and detected using gas gaps and a position-sensitive electron detector, which together provide both the location and energy information for each detected neutron. The design is simple, robust, cost-effective, and can be used for large-area detection and imaging, combining neutron spectroscopy and position-sensitive imaging in a single system.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Non-destructive testing and inspection of industrial parts and materials using neutron imaging and spectroscopy.
• Detection and characterization of special nuclear materials for nuclear safeguards and security applications.
• Monitoring neutron streaming and material activation in nuclear power plants for safety assessments and decommissioning planning.
• Tomographic imaging of large or complex objects to reveal internal features using fast neutron beams.
• Scientific research involving spectroscopy and imaging of neutron interactions with materials, such as material science and physics experiments.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Simultaneous imaging and energy (spectroscopic) detection of fast neutrons in a single system.
• Scalable to large detection areas with robust and relatively simple construction.
• Low-cost compared to traditional neutron spectroscopy systems due to simpler setup and off-the-shelf components like THGEM.
• High detection efficiency and adjustable sensitivity through tailored foil and gap configurations.
• Resistant to high radiation backgrounds and capable of operating with high neutron fluxes, making it suitable for field and industrial use.
• Provides both spatial resolution (imaging) and energy information, critical for advanced analysis and diagnostics.
• Flexible and adaptable for a range of scientific, industrial, and security applications.

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Patent Abstract

An energy-sensitive imaging detector for fast-neutrons includes: a) a series of energy-selective stacks (4 to 14 to 18) of radiator foils (6) which converts neutrons (n) into recoil protons (p, p1 to p3); said foils (6) are separated by gas-filled gaps (13) and are made of two layers fastened together: a hydrogen-rich layer, such as a polyethylene layer (10) for neutron-to-proton conversion, and a metal foil layer, such as an aluminum layer, defining a proton energy cut-off and limiting angle of proton emission; b) surrounding gas in the gas-filled gaps (13) in which energetic recoil protons emerging from the radiator foil release electrons; c) an electric field (E drift ) able to efficiently drift the electrons (20) through the gas-filled gaps (13); and d) an electron detector with a position sensitive readout (PSRO), based on Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) technologies (like e.g. the THick Gaseous Electron Multipliers - THGEM) or other means of electron amplification in gas; the charge detector is equipped with a dedicated imaging data-acquisition system, which detect the drifted electrons thereby sensing the position of the original impinging neutrons.