Perforated semiconductor neutron detectors for battery operated portable modules

Douglas S. McGregor; Steven L. Bellinger; David Bruno; Walter J. McNeil; Eric Patterson; J. Kenneth Shultis; C. J. Solomon; Troy Unruh

doi:10.1117/12.756813

24 September 2007 Perforated semiconductor neutron detectors for battery operated portable modules

Douglas S. McGregor, Steven L. Bellinger, David Bruno, Walter J. McNeil, Eric Patterson, J. Kenneth Shultis, C. J. Solomon, Troy Unruh

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6706, Hard X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Detector Physics IX; 67060N (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.756813
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2007, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Perforated semiconductor diode detectors have been under development for several years at Kansas State University for a variety of neutron detection applications. The fundamental device configuration is a pin diode detector fabricated from high-purity float zone refined Si wafers. Perforations are etched into the diode surface with inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) reactive ion etching (RIE) and backfilled with ⁶LiF neutron reactive material. The perforation shapes and depths can be optimized to yield a flat response to neutrons over a wide variation of angles. The prototype devices delivered over 3.8% thermal neutron detection efficiency while operating on only 15 volts. The highest efficiency devices thus far have delivered over 12% thermal neutron detection efficiency. The miniature devices are 5.6 mm in diameter and require minimal power to operate, ranging from 3.3 volts to 15 volts, depending upon the amplifying electronics. The battery operated devices have been incorporated into compact modules with a digital readout. Further, the new modules have incorporated wireless readout technology and can be monitored remotely. The neutron detection modules can be used for neutron dosimetry and neutron monitoring. When coupled with high-density polyethylene, the detectors can be used to measure fission neutrons from spontaneous fission sources. Monto Carlo analysis indicates that the devices can be used in cargo containers as a passive search tool for spontaneous fission sources, such as ²⁴⁰Pu. Measurements with a ²⁵²Cf source are being conducted for verification.

Citation Download Citation

Douglas S. McGregor, Steven L. Bellinger, David Bruno, Walter J. McNeil, Eric Patterson, J. Kenneth Shultis, C. J. Solomon, and Troy Unruh "Perforated semiconductor neutron detectors for battery operated portable modules", Proc. SPIE 6706, Hard X-Ray and Gamma-Ray Detector Physics IX, 67060N (24 September 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.756813

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