Concept of a novel fast neutron imaging detector based on THGEM for fan-beam tomography applications

Abstract

The conceptual design and operational principle of a novel high-efficiency, fast neutron imaging detector based on THGEM, intended for future fan-beam transmission tomography applications, is described. We report on a feasibility study based on theoretical modeling and computer simulations of a possible detector configuration prototype. In particular we discuss results regarding the optimization of detector geometry, estimation of its general performance, and expected imaging quality: it has been estimated that detection efficiency of around 5-8% can be achieved for 2.5MeV neutrons; spatial resolution is around one millimeter with no substantial degradation due to scattering effects. The foreseen applications of the imaging system are neutron tomography in non-destructive testing for the nuclear energy industry, including examination of spent nuclear fuel bundles, detection of explosives or drugs, as well as investigation of thermal hydraulics phenomena (e.g., two-phase flow, heat transfer, phase change, coolant dynamics, and liquid metal flow).

11 Pages; 6 Figures; Proceeding of the International Workshop on Fast Neutron Detectors and Application FNDA2011, Ein Gedi, Israel, November 2011. Published on the Journal of Instrumentation; 2012 JINST 7 C02056

References in corpus (3)

• A concise review on THGEM detectors
• THGEM operation in Ne and Ne/CH4
• Investigations of a THGEM-based imaging detector

Cited by in corpus (5)

• First in-beam studies of a Resistive-Plate WELL gaseous multiplier
• Recent advances with THGEM detectors
• The Thick Gas Electron Multiplier and its derivatives: physics, technologies and applications
• First studies of electron transport along small gas gaps of novel foil radiation converters for fast-neutron detectors
• Study on the novel neutron-to-proton concept for improving the detection efficiency of triple GEM based fast neutron detector