2-D GEM-BASED TEPC FOR NEUTRON PROTECTION DOSIMETRY

Abstract

A tissue equivalent proportional counter (TEPC) based on a gas electron multiplier (GEM) with a 2-dimensional (2-D) readout board for neutron dosimetry was developed and tested. This 2-D design of the anode structure presents multiple advantages over the traditional spherical TEPC design. This type of detector does not need a central wire to provide amplification as in traditional proportional counter design, making it possible to achieve higher efficiency (or sensitivity). Each charge-collecting pad in the 2-D structure represents a single miniature TEPC that can simulate the tissue size of a fraction of a micrometre. Such measurements could provide more precise dose-equivalent levels. In addition, the 2-D anode pattern provides the ability to reconstruct the 2-D projection of the ionizing particle’s track and it paves the way for the development of a time projection chamber for the full 3-D track reconstruction. This would prove an invaluable tool in future microdosimetry research. The simple design of ...