Development of a Coated-Micro-Particle Neutron Detector Based on LiF/ZnS Scintillator

Ken and Mary Alice Lindquist Department of Nuclear Engineering Pennsylvania State University State College, PA, USA

ful51@psu.edu
mxf5309@psu.edu
Dew125@arl.psu.edu

Published online: 20 January 2020

Abstract

⁶LiF:ZnS(Ag) micro-particle neutron detectors are a promising technology to further improve neutron detection capabilities for a variety of applications. Specifically, we have been investigating ⁶LiF micro-particles coated with ZnS(Ag) to increase the neutron detection efficiency, light production, and light collection efficiency when compared to the existing powder-based technology (EJ-426 from Eljen Technology). Extensive radiation and light transport simulations with single micro-particles have been performed to find the optimal ⁶LiF diameter and ZnS(Ag) coating thickness. Full-scale multi-particle simulations also have been performed to determine the optimal pitch (particle-to-particle distance) and detector thickness. Randomizations of ⁶LiF radius, ZnS(Ag) coating thickness, position of particles, as well as shape of particles and partial coating have been performed to account for possible manufacturing imperfections. EJ-426 sheets have been modeled for reference purposes by defining spherical grains of ⁶LiF and ZnS(Ag) and compared against experiments. The simulation results show that the coated micro-particles should dramatically increase the neutron detection efficiency, light production, and light collection efficiency when compared to the existing EJ-426 technology.