Resistive Plate Chambers for thermal neutron detection have been developed and prototypes of the detector have been built. A (B4C)-B-10 thin coating on the inner surface of one of the electrodes of the RPC is used as a thermal neutron converter via the B-10(n,alpha)Li-7 reaction. Monte Carlo calculations show that a conversion efficiency of about 2% for neutrons from a moderated beam can be achieved with a 3 mu m (B4C)-B-10 layer. Converter coatings on glass plates have been tested with thermalised neutrons from a Cf-252 source (INFN Laboratori Nazionali Legnaro). The energy spectra, measured with a Si detector for different converter thicknesses, are well reproduced by simulation. A prototype RPC, with 10 X 10 cm(2) g lass electrodes and a 2 mm gap, has been built, characterised with cosmic rays and tested in avalanche mode with a low energy neutron beam at the european research centre IRMM (Geel, Belgium). A description of the prototype is presented, together with the results of experimental tests.
Thermal neutron detection with Resistive Plate Chambers via the B-10(n,alpha)Li-7 reaction
CORTESE, Pietro;
2006-01-01
Abstract
Resistive Plate Chambers for thermal neutron detection have been developed and prototypes of the detector have been built. A (B4C)-B-10 thin coating on the inner surface of one of the electrodes of the RPC is used as a thermal neutron converter via the B-10(n,alpha)Li-7 reaction. Monte Carlo calculations show that a conversion efficiency of about 2% for neutrons from a moderated beam can be achieved with a 3 mu m (B4C)-B-10 layer. Converter coatings on glass plates have been tested with thermalised neutrons from a Cf-252 source (INFN Laboratori Nazionali Legnaro). The energy spectra, measured with a Si detector for different converter thicknesses, are well reproduced by simulation. A prototype RPC, with 10 X 10 cm(2) g lass electrodes and a 2 mm gap, has been built, characterised with cosmic rays and tested in avalanche mode with a low energy neutron beam at the european research centre IRMM (Geel, Belgium). A description of the prototype is presented, together with the results of experimental tests.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
