Use of gamma-ray spectroscopy for direct detection of thermal neutrons

F. Ghanbari; A. Mohagheghi

doi:10.1023/a:1010692428279

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Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

Volume/Issue:: Volume 248: Issue 2

Use of gamma-ray spectroscopy for direct detection of thermal neutrons

Authors:

F. Ghanbari

F. Ghanbari Sandia National Laboratories P.O. Box 5800 Albuquerque NM 87185 USA

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A. Mohagheghi

A. Mohagheghi Sandia National Laboratories P.O. Box 5800 Albuquerque NM 87185 USA

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Pages:: 413–416

Online Publication Date:: 29 Oct 2004

Publication Date:: 17 May 2001

Article Category:: Research Article

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1023/a:1010692428279

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Abstract

A neutron detector based on detection of the prompt gamma-radiation emitted as a result of neutron interaction with a suitable neutron absorber is described. Boron-10 loaded polyethylene is used as the neutron converter. Neutrons are thermalized in the polyethylene and are subsequently absorbed by ¹⁰B. The result of the neutron absorption is production of ⁷Li, in the excited state (⁷Li^*) and an alpha-particle. This occurs for 94% of the absorbed neutrons. The ⁷Li^* (T_1/2 = 10^-13 s) emits a 477.6 keV gamma-ray ("prompt" gamma-ray) after it is formed and may be detected in a gamma-ray spectroscopy system. Since the "prompt" gamma-ray peak is Doppler broadened – the recoiled ⁷Li^* emits the gamma-ray on "fly" – it is easily distinguishable from other non-capture gamma-ray peaks. The neutron converter, ¹⁰B loaded into a polyethylene end cap placed on the standard gamma-ray spectroscopy detector, adds the neutron detection capability without impeding the system's gamma-ray spectroscopy characteristics. Results for detection of neutrons from a moderated ²⁵²Cf source are presented.

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Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry

Print ISSN:: 0236-5731

Online ISSN:: 1588-2780

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Journal of Radionalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
Language	English
Size	A4
Year of Foundation	1968
Volumes per Year	1
Issues per Year	12
Founder	Akadémiai Kiadó
Founder's Address	H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245.
Publisher	Akadémiai Kiadó Springer Nature Switzerland AG
Publisher's Address	H-1117 Budapest, Hungary 1516 Budapest, PO Box 245. CH-6330 Cham, Switzerland Gewerbestrasse 11.
Responsible Publisher	Chief Executive Officer, Akadémiai Kiadó
ISSN	0236-5731 (Print)
ISSN	1588-2780 (Online)