With the development of new, intense neutron sources, such as the National Spallation Neutron Source, advanced neutron detector concepts are needed to take advantage of the high neutron flux available from this new device. Neutron scattering instrumentation represents an important tool in many areas, i.e., materials research, biological studies, semiconductor development and manufacturing technology to name a few. In order to enhance neutron measurements, our division has undertaken the development of efficient imaging neutron detectors capable of high count rate operation (a factor of 102 to 103 times that of existing gas counters). These detectors are based on optical imaging of sensitive solid-state scintillator screens onto two-dimensional or multi-anode photomultiplier tubes. These sensitive neutron detector screens are fabricated from a mixture of 6LiF and ZnS powders bonded in an optically clear epoxy matrix and exhibit high neutron conversion efficiency (>90%) combined with excellent discrimination against gamma-rays. An imaging detector with a 17 x 17 cm2 screen is currently undergoing testing and a 34 x 34 cm2 detector is under construction.
34 x 34 cm Detector Under Construction
17 x 17 cm Detector Undergoing Tests at HFIR
