Concept of a fast neutron detector based on 10B-RPCs

Abstract

We propose an alternative approach for the detection of fast neutrons in the energy range from 10-4 to 5 MeV based on 10B-RPCs (hybrid double-gap Resistive Plate Chambers with 10B4C neutron converters) surrounded by a polyethylene moderator. The detection efficiency as a function of the neutron energy is obtained in Monte Carlo simulations performed with the Geant4 toolkit for several detector configurations. The thickness of the neutron converter is optimized for the maximum efficiency. The results show that for this type of detector it is possible to obtain an average detection efficiency larger than 50% with a weak dependence on the neutron energy. The dark count rate and gamma sensitivity are also discussed.

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