NEUTRON DETECTION AND SPECTROSCOPY WITH SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
Abstract
Results are presented of a study of methods for utilizing diffused junction, semiconductor detectors in neutron detection and spectroscopy. The study resulted in the development of various neutron-sensitive coated detectors and the Li6 epithermal neutron spectrometer system, which consists of a Li6- sandwich detector and a complete, integrated electronic system. The techniques investigated for applying neutron-sensitive materials to detector surfaces included solution evaporation, vacuum evaporation, and electrodeposition. Solution evaporation is preferable when a thick coating of B10 or U235 is desired for maximum sensitivity. Vacuum evaporation is preferable when very thin uniform films of Li6 and Li6F are required on the detector surface. A thermal neutron source was used to observe the response of each coating material deposited on the detectors as a function of dead layer and radiator thickness. Theoretical relationships depending on range-energy relationships adequately predict the response of coated detectors as a function of converter material thickness, detector dead layer, and discriminator settings. The detector developed for the epithermal neutron spectrometer system consists of a layer of Li6F sandwiched between two silicon detectors in a hermetically sealed package. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0623722
Entities
People
- E. L. Zimmerman
- M. R. Zatzick