Technology Assessment: Neutron Detectors. Alternatives to using Helium-3, Report to Congressional Requesters

摘要

Neutron detectors are used to detect neutron radiation in science, security, and other applications. For example, arge-area detectors detect neutrons at science facilities across the world and radiation portal monitors screen vehicles and cargo at ports and border crossings for nuclear material that terrorists could use in a nuclear weapon. Helium-3 is a critical component of uch neutron detectors, and in 2008 he U.S. government became aware of a evere shortage of helium-3 gas. While demand for it has increased, helium-3 is currently produced as a byproduct of the radioactive decay of tritium, and the United States ceased tritium production in 1988. The shortage has led science facilities and federal agencies such as the DOD and DHS to identify or develop alternative detector technologies.