Neutron detectors based on CMOS solid state photomultipliers

Radia Sia; James F. Christian; Christopher J. Stapels; Thomas Prettyman; Michael R. Squillante

doi:10.1117/12.800757

3 September 2008 Neutron detectors based on CMOS solid state photomultipliers

Radia Sia, James F. Christian, Christopher J. Stapels, Thomas Prettyman, Michael R. Squillante

Proceedings Volume 7080, Penetrating Radiation Systems and Applications IX; 70800G (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800757
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

CMOS solid-state photomultipliers (CMOS-SSPM) are new, potentially very inexpensive, photodetectors that have the promise of supplanting photomultiplier tubes and standard photodiodes for many nuclear radiation detection measurements using scintillator crystals. The compact size and very high gain make SSPMs attractive for use in applications where photomultiplier tubes cannot be used and standard photodiodes have insufficient sensitivity. In this effort, the use of SSPMs was investigated for the detection of neutrons with the goal of designing a detector for portable systems that has the capability of discriminating neutrons from gamma rays. The neutron scintillation signatures were measured using boron-loaded plastic scintillators. Our detector concept design incorporates a dual-scintillator design with both a neutrons sensitive organic scintillator (a boron-loaded gel) and a gamma ray sensitive inorganic scintillator (LYSO). Using this design, the gamma ray signal is suppressed and the neutron events are clearly resolved. The design was modeled to optimize the detection efficiency for both thermal and energetic neutrons. In addition, the detection of thermal neutrons in the presence of gamma rays was examined using the SSPM coupled to Cs₂LiYCl₆:Ce scintillator (CLYC).

Citation Download Citation

Radia Sia, James F. Christian, Christopher J. Stapels, Thomas Prettyman, and Michael R. Squillante "Neutron detectors based on CMOS solid state photomultipliers", Proc. SPIE 7080, Penetrating Radiation Systems and Applications IX, 70800G (3 September 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800757

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