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| MicroMegas
Detector Concept The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) will soon be completed and will solidify ORNL’s position as a world-class center for neutron research activities. Staff members in ESTD are making significant contributions to the effort by developing new detector schemes that meet the extreme operational requirements posed by the SNS. A bright neutron source such as the SNS places extreme requirements on detectors including excellent 2-D spatial imaging and high dynamic range. Present imaging detectors have either shown position resolutions that are less than acceptable or they exhibit excessive paralyzing dead times due to the brightness of the source. A detector concept known as MicroMegas (MicroMEsh GAseous Structure), first developed at CERN in Geneva for high-energy physics charged-particle tracking applications, has shown great promise for handling high data rates with a rather low-cost structure. ESTD staff are attempting to optimize the MicroMegas detector concept for thermal neutrons and have already designed a 1-D neutron strip detector utilizing solid converters which we have tested. In addition, they are performing research into the compatibility of various converter coatings. The goal of this project is to develop a manufacturable detector that could be scaled to a 1 m2, 2-D array for use at the SNS and other facilities. Staff members involved include Chuck Britton, William L. Bryan, Alan L. Wintenberg, Lloyd Clonts, Usha Jagadish, Robert J. Warmack, Timothy E. McKnight and Shane S. Frank, Monolithic Systems Development. Staff members from other ORNL divisions include Ronald G. Cooper, Nancy J. Dudney and Gabriel M. Veith. |