55
High
Performance Thermal Neutron Detector--Lexitek,
Inc., 14 Mica Lane, #6, Wellesley, MA 02181-1708;
781-431-9604
Dr.
Steven M. Ebstein, Principal Investigator, ebstein@laxitek.com
Dr.
Steven M. Ebstein, Business Official, ebstein@laxitek.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-02ER83478
Amount:
$100,000
Thermal
neutron detectors, used in facilities for materials science, would benefit from
improved detection efficiency, time response, spatial resolution, light output,
and affordability for large areas. Existing
detectors are limited in at least one of these characteristics. This
project will develop neutron detectors using boron films and silicon
microchannel plates, initially with phosphor output.
Their performance will excel due to boron's large absorption
cross-section, silicon microchannel plate resolution, and gain. Silicon
processing would make the detectors consistent and affordable.
The use of fast, efficient phosphors would enable nanosecond time
response and light output per neutron exceeding existing scintillators.
Novel tiling schemes will be employed to fabricate detectors exceeding
wafer dimensions. Phase I will
fabricate a 25 mm diameter device and measure key performance characteristics
(temporal resolution, spatial resolution, detection efficiency and light
output). Also a redesigned device,
with some key parameters varied to improve performance, will also be fabricated.
Lastly, a detailed plan to fabricate
large detectors will be developed.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits
as described by the awardee: Neutron
science, radiography for non-destructive testing, and security applications all
would benefit from these high performance area detectors.