A New CCD Based Thermal Neutron Detector

摘要

There are applications in non-proliferation and nuclear energy where a small, inexpensive, and efficient neutron sensor would be valuable. We have demonstrated a neutron detector concept using single event upset (SEU) in charge coupled devices (CCD). A three micron film of enriched boron was positioned onto a small pixel CCD array. When a thermal neutron reacts with a B~(10) nucleus a 1.47 MeV alpha particle is created. The alpha particle generates charge in a pixel far above that needed to turn it on. Preliminary tests with a strong neutron source showed signals well above noise. This detector is highly sensitive.