µRANIA-V: an innovative solution for neutron detection in homeland security

^a INFN-Ferrara, via Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
^b Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19B Yuquan Road, 100049 Beijing, China
^c INFN-National Laboratory of Frascati, via Enrico Fermi 54, 00044 Frascati (Roma) Italy
^d ENEA, via Enrico Fermi 45, 00044 Frascati (Roma), Italy
^e Detector Group, European Spallation Source ERIC (ESS) Box 176, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden
^f INFN-Torino, via P.Giuria 1, 10125 Torino, Italy

^* Corresponding author: rfarinelli@fe.infn.it

Published online: 19 November 2021

Abstract

Detection of neutrons is becoming of the utmost importance, especially in the studies of radioactive waste and in homeland security applications. The crisis of ³He availability has required the development of innovative techniques. One solution is to develop light gas detectors for neutron counting to be used as portals for ports and airports. The neutron is converted on the Boron-coated cathode, releasing a charged particle, whose passage can be identified by the gas detector. While several technologies have been deployed in the past, the project μRANIA-V (μRwell Advanced Neutron Identification Apparatus) aims to detect thermal neutrons by means of the μRwell technology, an innovative gas detector. The goal is to produce tiles to operate as portals in homeland security or for radioactive waste management. The technological transfer towards the industry has started, thus the production can be cost-effective also owing to a construction process relatively easier compared to similar apparatus. By reading directly the signals from the amplification stage, the neutrons can be counted with simplified electronics further reducing the total cost. In this paper, the project will be described, with details on the μRwell technology and on the neutron counting, on the test beam performed, and on the future plans.