Red Pitaya DAQ for fast neutron detection: a scalable, compact and low-cost solution

Abstract

In this work, we present the initial results of a compact fast-neutron detection system based on the EJ-276D plastic scintillator, a dual-channel readout using two silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) with complementary cell geometries, and a data acquisition (DAQ) system built on the StemLab Red Pitaya FPGA platform. The system combines the pulse shape discrimination (PSD) capability of EJ-276D with custom, cost-effective analog front-end electronics and open-source DAQ firmware. Unlike traditional systems relying on bulky photomultiplier tubes or liquid scintillator detectors, our design is portable and scalable. It achieves a Figure of Merit of 1.61 in the 2.75--3.0\,MeV${}_{ee}$ energy range, comparable to established setups, while requiring only a single +5\,V USB power source. The results demonstrate the potential of this approach for in-situ neutron detection in mixed radiation fields, with the FPGA programmability of the Red Pitaya enabling straightforward adaptation to diverse academic and industrial applications.