High sensitivity, low profile neutron detector for safeguards measurements

摘要

A neutron detector has been constructed and tested at Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) for the purpose of making fast, high sensitivity measurements of neutron emitters in portal applications. The system is based upon glass fiber optic scintillators loaded with lithium-6 and operated to detect thermal neutrons. Due to their compact size. physical flexibility, freedom from microphonic pickup, and complete lack of environmental and safety concerns, these fibers are very suitable for some applications. The electronics needed for these fibers is somewhat more complex than for helium-3 proportional counters, but the entire electronics package (including the controlling computer) has been shrunk into a space of 20 (times) 25 (times) 2 cm. The prototype sensor is about 180 (times) 60 (times) 7 cm, but a final design now under construction measures 200 (times) 28 (times) 2.54 cm. The new, smaller detectors will be capable of ganging to achieve any needed sensitivity and will each weigh about 16 kg. The principles of operation of the fiber will be discussed as will the operational mode of the detector.