Characterization of a GEM-based fast neutron detector

Abstract

The neutron efficiency of a Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM)-based detector designed for fast neutron measurements in fusion devices was determined through the combined use of Monte Carlo (MCNPX) calculations and analysis of deuterium–deuterium and deuterium–tritium neutron irradiation experiments. The detector, characterized by a triple GEM structure flushed with a Ar/CO2/CF4 – 45/15/40 gas mixture, features a digital read-out system and has two sub-units for the detection of 2.5+14MeV neutrons and 14MeV neutrons (UDD and UDT, respectively).The pulse height spectra (PHS) determined from the curves of experimental efficiency as a function of the detector's high voltage (HV) and the MCNPX-simulated PHS were compared using a fitting routine that finds the best match between the experimental and simulated PHS by assuming a parametric model for the relation between HV (that determines the detector's gain) and the energy deposited in the gas. This led to express the experimental neutron efficiency as a function of the discrimination level set on the deposited energy (energy threshold). The detector sensitivity to γ-rays was also analyzed and the operational range in which the γ-ray contribution to the signal is not negligible was determined. It is found that this detector can reach a maximum neutron efficiency of ~1×10−3counts/n at 2.5MeV (UDD sub-unit) and of ~4×10−3counts/n at 14MeV (UDT and UDD sub-units).