Development of a complete simulation package for Self-Powered Neutron Detectors using the Monte Carlo Method and Geant4 toolkit

Abstract

In order to provide guidance on the design and use of the Self-Powered Neutron Detector (SPND) and improve measurement accuracy, accurate simulation of SPND is required. Therefore, a complete SPND simulation package was developed, including a particle transport calculation module, an electric field calculation module, a visualization interface and a data post-processing module. Due to electric field produced by space charge in the insulator, Geant4 has been chosen as the particle transport calculation module and an iterative code for the electric field was written to implement the calculation of the electric field in the insulator. To help researchers simplify the process of writing codes, a wizard-like visual interface was developed based on QT for configuring the input files and for performing the calculations. The accuracy of the simulation package was verified by comparing it with other calculation codes. With the help of the simulation package, the user can very easily achieve an accurate simulation of the SPND.

Study on structural and material dependence of Rhodium Self-powered Neutron Detector performance

“…The correctness and accuracy of the SPNDtool have been verified in [6]. In this section the effect of different dimensions of the detector components on the detector sensitivity will be analyzed and the electric field is realistically added to obtain accurate simulations of the detector sensitivity.…”

“…The relationship between spatial charge effect in the insulator and the Rh-SPND sensitivity has not been analyzed deeply. Li et al developed a method to accurately simulating the calculation of SPNDs [6], which makes it possible to completely simulate the space charge effect of insulator and exhibit the transport process of signal electrons from emitter to collector under the effects of spatial electric field and particle collision.…”

“…In order to achieve a comprehensive simulation of the detector, it is essential to select a suitable numerical calculation tool. Fortunately, a complete SPND simulation package SPNDtool has been developed and selected for simulation [6]. The SPNDtool uses Geant4 to simulate particle transport process taking place in the detector and calculate the electric field in the insulators.…”

“…The electric field calculation module is used to calculate the electric field formed by the electrons in the insulator and the corresponding conduction current. More details about the SPNDtool have been introduced in reference [6].…”