Heidelberg 2022 – scientific programme

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ST: Fachverband Strahlen- und Medizinphysik

ST 7: Radiation monitoring and dosimetry II

ST 7.5: Talk

Wednesday, March 23, 2022, 17:15–17:30, ST-H4

Neutron Detection using B4C-coated Silicon Detectors — Kevin Alexander Kröninger, •Alina Johanna Landmann, and Jens Weingarten — TU Dortmund, Fakultät Physik, Otto Hahn Str. 4, 44227 Dortmund

He(3) is a frequently used element in neutron detection. However, the world is suffering from an extreme He(3)-shortage increasing the need for alternative detection methods. Semiconductors, commonly known from high energy physics, coated with B(10) as neutron converters, represent a promising alternative. The coating process of the first prototype on-site of the TU Dortmund was performed. Geant4 simulations are used to investigate how specific parameter changes within the coating process can increase the detection efficiency. Results indicate that the detection efficiency is suitable for high neutron flux particle fields which can be found, for example, within the thermal column of a research reactor. Yet, the detection of lower neutron fluxes with coated semiconductors remains difficult. Promising candidates for that purpose are scintillation detectors enriched with neutron converters.

In this talk, we will present the results obtained from the Geant4 simulations regarding the increase in detection efficiency of coated silicon detectors; and discuss alternative neutron detector candidates, suitable for lower neutron flux.