Simulation-based optimization of a multilayer ¹⁰B-RPC thermal neutron detector

Abstract

A Monte Carlo simulation-based optimization of a multilayer 10 B-RPC thermal neutron detector is performed targeting an increase in the counting rate capability while maintaining high (>50%) detection efficiency for thermal neutrons. The converter layer thicknesses of individual RPCs are optimized for several configurations of a detector containing a stack of 10 double gap RPCs. The results suggest that it is possible to reach a counting rate which is by a factor of eight higher in comparison to the rate of a detector with only one double-gap RPC. The effect of neutron scattering inside the detector contributing to the background is analyzed and design modifications of the first detector prototype, tested at neutron beam, are suggested.

Concept of a fast neutron detector based on 10B-RPCs

“…A neutron event was considered detected if the neutron capture reaction products deposited at least 0.1 MeV in a gas gap. This energy threshold gives a good match in the simulated and experimental neutron detection efficiencies for a multi-layer 10 B-RPC thermal neutron detector characterized at neutron beam [21].…”

“…The concept of a hybrid double-gap 10 B-RPC (see figure 1) has been introduced and optimized in our previous simulation and experimental studies [12][13][14]21]. Here we assume the following design: the RPC cathode is a 0.35 mm thick aluminium plate, which is positioned between two resistive anodes (soda lime glass, 0.4 mm thick), leaving a 0.35 mm wide gas gap between the cathode and 2022 JINST 17 P02016 each anode.…”

Towards high-rate RPC-based thermal neutron detectors using low-resistivity electrodes

“…Considering these results and taking into account that an independent increase of an order of magnitude in the neutron counting rate capability can be achieved by implementing a multilayer or inclined 10 B-RPC geometry [1,25], it seems feasible to construct an RPC-based neutron detector capable to operate in linear regime with counting rate densities up to several hundred thousand counts per second per cm 2 .…”

“…Note that the results reported here were obtained with single-gap 10 B-RPCs. Another improvement in the maximum counting rate of about an order of magnitude should be possible to achieve independently of the electrode material by constructing a detector with multiple 10 B-RPCs and arranging them in a multilayer or inclined-type geometry [1,25]. In a multilayer geometry a neutron event triggers electron avalanches only in one gas gap, leaving the other undisturbed.…”

Distal edge determination precision for a multi-slat prompt-gamma camera: A comprehensive simulation and optimization of the detection system

“…In this study we have decided to perform optimization of the design using two different approaches. The first one is based on a semi-automatic optimization using the infrastructure already available in ANTS2 [26]. The main idea is to implement a standard optimization algorithm (e.g.…”