Neutron Spectroscopy Optimization Using a Solid State Thermal Neutron Detector
Abstract
AFIT is researching methods for radiation detection that allow for fast analysis of neutron spectra for energies up to 14 MeV. The initial research includes the design and analysis of a neutron spectrometer using high-efficiency solid state detectors separated by multiple layers of high density polyethylene and cadmium. The spectrometer design was modeled and optimized computationally using GEANT4.10.1; a range of monoenergetic neutron sources were modeled, resulting in a theoretical response function matrix for several different polyethylene layer thicknesses. These response functions and source spectra from historical experimental data and spectra can then be used in a Maximum-Likelihood Expectation-Maximization unfolding routine to unfold the spectra of polyenergetic sources. The key to the success of this research is obtaining the resolution needed between the detectors to unfold the specrum, while making the system of thermalizing polyethylene layers and detectors as efficient as possible. This presentation will discuss the process used to develop the algorithm and models and determine efficiency, including experiments to validate the results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1053896
Entities
People
- Carl J. Eichert
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology