FLAT PANEL IMAGING OF THERMAL NEUTRONS

摘要

An initial investigation for the use of an amorphous silicon flat panel as an imaging detector for thermal neutrons is described. A dpiX Model SS2200 imaging panel was used with a Li-6 enriched, LiF-ZnS(Ag) scintillator screen for a thermal neutron imaging investigation using the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor and the neutron radiography facility at Perm State University's Radiation Science and Engineering Center. Good quality thermal neutron images were obtained at exposures in the range of 10~6 to 10~7n/cm~2, values that compare favorably with those normally required for a medium-speed film result. Spatial resolution observed was in the order of 2 line pairs/mm, a value consistent with the resolution limitation of the imaging screen. The neutron images showed excellent quality, as determined with radiographs of the modified Type A gage test piece, often used to evaluate thermal neutron radioscopic images. Fourteen consecutive holes in the "A" gage test piece were observed, an excellent result as compared to typical neutron radioscopic systems.