Thermal neutron detection by means of Timepix3

Abstract

Thermal neutron detection plays a crucial role in numerous scientific and technical applications such as nuclear reactor physics, particle accelerators, radiotherapy, materials analysis and space exploration. There are several challenges associated with the accurate identification and quantification of thermal neutrons. The present work proposes a detailed characterization of a Timepix3 (TPX3) detector equipped with a Lithium Fluoride ($$^6$$ 6 LiF) converter in order to study its response to thermal neutrons that are identified through the $$^6$$ 6 Li(n,$$\alpha$$ α )$$^3$$ 3 H reaction. The TPX3-based test system has been installed at the HOTNES facility in ENEA and the analysis highlighted its excellent performance showing high effectiveness in the identification of neutrons through morphological analysis of tracks produced by alpha and triton particles, after accurate discrimination from the gamma background. With the use of Monte Carlo simulations, it has been demonstrated that the main contribution is due to tritons and its signal can be used effectively in the identification of thermal neutrons obtaining an efficiency of 0.9 % for 25 meV neutrons. This allows the TPX3 to have important applications as an environmental monitor for thermal neutrons. This monitoring system can be simply realized and is easy to manage because of its compact size and its digital acquisition that allows a real-time analysis.