Thermal neutron scintillators using unenriched boron nitride and zinc sulfide

[摘要] Thermal neutron detectors based on powdered zinc sulfide intimately mixed with a neutron capture compound have a history as long as scintillation technique itself. We show that using unenriched boron nitride powder, rather than the more commonly used enriched lithium fluoride, results in detection screens which produce less light but which are very considerably cheaper. Methods of fabricating large areas of this material are presented. The screens are intended for the production of large area low cost neutron detectors as a replacement for helium-3 proportional tubes.

[发布机构] Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Sheffield, South-Yorkshire-Sheffield; S3 7RH, United Kingdom^1;Tata Steel, Swinden Technology Centre, Moorgate-South-Yorkshire-Rotherham; S60 3AR, United Kingdom^2;Kromek Ltd, Netpark Thomas Wright Way, Sedgefield, Durham; TS21 3FD, United Kingdom^3

[效力级别] 工业技术 [学科分类] 工业工程学

[关键词] Helium-3;Low costs;Neutron capture;Nitride powders;Thermal neutron detectors;Thermal neutrons