Development of a 4π directional fast neutron detector using tensioned metastable fluids

Prototype Demonstration of Gamma- Blind Tensioned Metastable Fluid Neutron/Multiplicity/Alpha Detector – Real Time Methods for Advanced Fuel Cycle Applications

“…In other words, this has resulted [6,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] in a novel, simple to use, low cost, transformative class of sensors (field-relevant adaptations ongoing) with high intrinsic efficiency (≥90%) that are able to distinguish between neutrons, alpha particles, and fission fragments and simultaneously also provide directionality and multiplicity related information for neutron emissions -all from a single, portable sensor system for which the detection efficiency can be varied at will. These detectors can physically (human form adapted) "see" and "hear" radiation while also deriving spectroscopic information and discerning the direction of incoming radiation and remaining "blind" to gamma photons.…”

“…It is also feasible to passively monitor neutron emissions with greater than 90% intrinsic efficiency, and with ATMFDs for discerning the direction of a Pu-Be neutron source (±∼30º) with 90% ( Fig. 2.5) [13][14][15][16][17]. This evidence formed the basis for extending the technology not only for real-time neutron source directionality, but also for simultaneous source imaging such that the actual motion through space of SNMs can be monitored and tracked.…”

Advancements in the development of a directional-position sensing fast neutron detector using acoustically tensioned metastable fluids

“…Uncoupling of the dependence of the probability of a neutron detection event with the negative pressure in the detector fluid allows one to quantify the 2π directional capabilities of the D-ATMFD based solely on the magnitude and energy of the neutron flux [14]. Although the current study is focused on ascertaining directionality in 2π , alternate ATMFD geometries have been developed and proven capable of ascertaining directionality in full 4π fields [12]. Since neutron flux reduces with distance and with the amount of down scattering and absorption in the detector fluid, the side of the sensitive volume nearest to the source naturally has the highest probability of neutron interaction locations, and therefore, for the formation of neutron induced detection events.…”

“…Development of the directional abilities of the ATMFD system represents a significant advancement to the current state-of-the-art directional neutron detectors. A single D-ATMFD system is capable of the directional detection of neutrons in a single portable detector with an unlimited field of view ( ) 4π [12] and a significant reduction in size while remaining completely blind to non-neutron background [13]. This is accomplished with the potential for a significant cost reduction over comparable systems (e.g.…”