Large area portable neutron detectors Helium-3 alternatives

Abstract

PartTec, Ltd. has, for the past 3 years, pursued the development of 3He alternative neutron detectors for applications such as border security, portal monitors and handheld devices. This paper discusses PartTec's mobile, very large area, ruggedized and highly efficient neutron detector. The detector's construction and performance are outlined in the paper. The goals for development of the detector are to meet all performance standards of the ANSI N42.43 committee's publication, “American National Standard Performance Criteria for Mobile and Transportable Radiation Monitors Used for Homeland Security.” The introductory model of PartTec's line of mobile neutron detectors has an active area of 3,600 cm2, consists of 1,200 wavelength shifting fibers, 12 single anode photomultiplier tubes and 60cm × 60cm 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) scintillator sheets. The purpose of the paper is to introduce to the community the successful implementation of the use of LiF scintillator-based neutron detectors in real-world applications, showing that a commercially viable helium-3 replacement can now be developed. The paper discusses issues related to this detection technology including its performance, manufacture, availability, design flexibility, and cost.