Novel and efficient ~(10)B lined tubelet detector as a replacement for ~3He neutron proportional counters

摘要

This paper presents a novel and robust proportional detector which addresses the well publicized shortage of ~3He gas by using a ~(10)B lining applied to a tubelet configuration. The advantage of the tubelet structure is that it yields a detector maintaining the form factor of a conventional ~3He tube whilst achieving a sensitivity of up to 75% of a 3 atm ~3He device. The design and fabrication of the tubelet detector is presented and discussed with test data comparing the new detector to existing ~3He and BF_3 tubes. The application of the tubelet design to security and industrial applications including retro-fitting to existing portals and suitability for high integrity oil and gas installations is addressed.