Researchers have developed a cutting-edge neutron detector that is transforming the way scientists conduct experiments at spallation sources. This innovative device, called the I-MS-BGEM, combines the power of Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) technology with the properties of boron to achieve unprecedented detection efficiency and sustainability. With its ability to discriminate between neutrons and gamma rays, and its impressive counting rate capability, the I-MS-BGEM is poised to revolutionize fields such as neutron scattering and neutron transmission measurements. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of materials, molecules, and biological systems.
A Groundbreaking Neutron Detector for Spallation Sources
Neutron detection has long been a crucial tool for scientific research, from studying the properties of materials to unraveling the mysteries of biological molecules. However, the current state-of-the-art in neutron detection, the 3He gas detector, has faced challenges due to a shortage of the helium-3 isotope and the increasing demands of modern neutron facilities.
To address this issue, a team of researchers has developed a novel neutron detector called the I-MS-BGEM (Improved Medium-Size Boron-GEM). This cutting-edge device combines the power of GEM technology with the unique properties of boron, creating a highly efficient and sustainable neutron detection system.
GEM Technology and Boron: A Winning Combination
The key to the I-MS-BGEM’s success lies in its innovative design. The detector is composed of a stack of six BGEM foils, each with a thin layer of boron-10 deposited on both sides. When a neutron interacts with the boron, it triggers a nuclear reaction that produces charged particles, which can then be detected by the GEM foils.
The GEM foils are responsible for amplifying the signal, converting the charged particles into a measurable electrical signal. This combination of boron conversion and GEM amplification allows the I-MS-BGEM to achieve a remarkable detection efficiency of 16% for thermal neutrons, a significant improvement over previous GEM-based neutron detectors.
Exceptional Performance and Versatility
The I-MS-BGEM’s performance goes beyond just high detection efficiency. The researchers have also demonstrated the detector’s exceptional ability to discriminate between neutrons and gamma rays, ensuring that the measurements are not skewed by unwanted background signals.
Furthermore, the I-MS-BGEM can sustain high neutron fluxes without losing its stability, making it an ideal choice for experiments at modern spallation sources like the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source in the UK, where neutron fluxes can reach up to 109 neutrons per square centimeter per second.
Revolutionizing Scientific Research
The capabilities of the I-MS-BGEM detector have the potential to revolutionize various fields of scientific research. Its high detection efficiency, combined with its ability to discriminate gamma rays and sustain high neutron fluxes, make it particularly well-suited for neutron transmission measurements, where high fluxes and low background are crucial.
For example, this detector could greatly improve our understanding of the neutron cross-sections of biological molecules and organic materials, which are essential for interpreting data from neutron scattering experiments. By reducing the time required for these measurements, the I-MS-BGEM could enable researchers to investigate a broader range of samples and accelerate scientific progress.
Moreover, the detector’s 2D spatial resolution, provided by its padded anode, allows for detailed mapping of the neutron beam profile, further enhancing its versatility and potential applications.
A Promising Future for Neutron Detection
The development of the I-MS-BGEM detector represents a significant step forward in the field of neutron detection. By combining the strengths of GEM technology and boron conversion, the researchers have created a device that can meet the ever-increasing demands of modern scientific research at spallation sources.
As neutron facilities continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the I-MS-BGEM stands poised to play a crucial role in unlocking new discoveries across a wide range of disciplines, from materials science to biology and beyond.
Author credit: This article is based on research by S. Cancelli, F. Caruggi, E. Perelli Cippo, O. Putignano, A. Celora, G. Gorini, M. Krzystyniak, A. Muraro, G. Romanelli, R. S. Pinna, M. Tardocchi, G. Croci.
For More Related Articles Click Here
