应用于热中子的nTHGEM探测器性能研究

随着脉冲强流中子源的发展,对高性能中子探测器提出了更大的挑战,3He气体资源严重短缺和高计数率中子探测器的迫切需求,已开始制约着中子源应用技术的发展。中国科学院高能物理研究所针对中子的特殊性,专门研发了一种陶瓷基材的nTHGEM（neutron Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier）探测器用于中子探测。基于nTHGEM的中子探测器具有高计数率、高位置与时间分辨能力、增益大、制作工艺简单,且便于大面积制作的特点,是目前国际上发展替代3He探测技术的重要方向之一。为了详细研究nTHGEM探测器的本身性能,本工作使用55Fe放射源研究了nTHGEM探测器的增益、计数率稳定性、能量分辨率等关键参数与nTHGEM膜间电压、收集场强、漂移场强之间的关系,优化了nTHGEM探测器在不同工作气体中的工作参数,为后续进一步优化nTHGEM探测器设计和工艺奠定了基础。实验结果表明,单层nTHGEM探测器在Ar（90%）+CO₂（10%）混合气体中增益能达到103,探测器计数率稳定性良好。另外,还在中国原子能科学研究院的CARR反应堆（China Advanced Research Reactor）上进行了中子束流实验,通过狭缝测量到探测器位置分辨率为（3.01±0.03）mm（FWHM）,已经接近高气压3He MWPC中子探测器水平。With the development of pulsed intense neutron source, the high-performance neutron detector poses more challenges. The severe shortage of 3He gas resources and the urgent need of neutron detector with high counting rate have begun to restrict the neutron source application technology development. In response to the particularity of neutrons, the Institute of High Energy Physics of CAS developed a nTHGEM(neutron Thick Gaseous Electron Multiplier)of ceramic substrate for neutron detection. The neutron detector based on nTHGEM is one of the most important directions for the development of alternative 3He detection technology in the world at present because of its high counting rate, high position and time resolution, large gain, simple fabrication process and large area production. In order to study the properties of nTHGEM detector in detail, this paper studied the relationship between nTHGEM detector's gain, counting rate stability, energy resolution and other key parameters and nTHGEM film voltage, collection field strength and drift field strength using 55Fe radioactive source, Optimized the working parameters of nTHGEM detector in different working gases, which laid the foundation for further optimization of nTHGEM detector design and process. The experimental results show that the single-layer nTHGEM detector has a gain of 103 in a Ar(90%)+CO₂(10%) mixed gas with good counting rate stability. In addition, a neutron beam experiment was performed on the China Advanced Research Reactor at the China Institute of Atomic Energy, and the position resolution of the detector was (3.01±0.03) mm (FWHM) measured by slits. Its performance is close to the high pressure 3He MWPC neutron detector level.     

Micromegas中子探测器位置分辨特性的Monte-Carlo研究(英文)

利用GEANT4和Garfield气体探测器模拟程序模拟了Micromegas中子探测器位置特性。 在漂移极上加一层聚乙烯薄膜作为转换材料, 通过反冲质子法测量中子的位置。 提出了一套通过设定探测器上层结构的方案来得到探测器的位置分辨特性。 通过对模拟结果的分析与比较, 得到一种易于测定探测器位置分辨特性的方法。 该工作不仅可以优化气体探测器结构设计, 缩短实验周期, 而且还能极大程度地节约经费。 In the present work, the spatial resolution of Micromegas as a neutron detector was simulated with GEANT4 and Garfield program. The polyethylene foil was used as neutron converter. A new method based on structural setting on the top layer of the detector was adopted to obtain spatial resolution. According to our simulation, it turned out to be a better spatial resolution, and this method was easily realized in experiment.     

位敏型探测器数字法读出研究(英文)

中国散裂中子源( CSNS ) 的建造对中子探测器提出了非常高的要求,如更大的有效面积、二维位置灵敏、高计数率、高探测效率和低的 灵敏度等。与传统的模拟读出方法相比,数字法读出具有更高的计数率, 更小的数据传输量,更简单的电子学设计以及更高的信噪比。对数字法读出进行了理论计算,利用GEM探测器的原始数据分析了数字法读出的位置分辨率与读出条宽度的关系。结果表明,数字法读出对于位置分辨要求较低( 小于4 mm) 的大面积位置灵敏探测器是一种较好的选择,如CSNS 小角谱仪探测器。Efficient thermal neutron detectors with large area, two-dimensional position sensitive, high counting rate high detection efficiency and low gamma sensitivity are required to satisfy the demands for the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS). Compared with the traditional analog readout method, the digital readout method has the advantages of higher counting rate, smaller quantity of data transmission, simpler readout system and higher signal to noise ratio. The theoretical analysis of the digital readout method is reported in this paper. Used the raw data of GEM detector, the relationship between the position resolution and the width of the readout strip was studied. The results indicate that the digital readout method could be a good choice for the large area position sensitive detector where the requirement of position resolution is less than 4 mm, e.g. the detector of Small-Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS) diffractometer of CSNS.     

基于Micromegas探测技术的中子CT可行性研究(英文)

在培育新品种过程中能够实时掌握了解土壤中植物根系的形态以及其生长情况将为植物学家提供很多不可或缺的信息。对基于 micromegas 探测技术的中子 CT 在这一新应用的试验环境进行了仿真模拟, 通过三维图像重建后,得到了令人满意的预期结果。首先通过 Geant4 和 Garfield 模拟计算利用聚乙烯薄膜作为中子转换层的 micromegas 中子探测器, 得到了非常理想的位置分辨, 说明基于micromegas 探测技术建立中子 CT 照相系统的可行性。 然后利用MCNP仿真模拟14 MeV 中子CT 的实验环境, 最后由Matlab程序进行图像重建。In this paper, the possibility using micromegas(Micro Mesh Gaseous Structure) as neutron detector in 14 MeV neutron computed tomography(CT) has been simulated. The results show that the micromegas neutron detector has high spatial resolution and is a good candidate for neutron radiography. The three dimensional images of plant roots in soil are successfully and clearly obtained by the 14 MeV neutron CT with micromegas as a neutron detector. In the present simulation, MCNP is employed for 14 MeV neutron transport in the sample and Matlab for the 3 D photograph reconstruction.     

Monte Carlo simulation of GEM-based for 14 MeV neutron detector

A new concept of neutron detector based on Gas Electron Multiplier(GEM) technology is presented in this paper,in which a novel multi-layer high density polyethylene(HDPE) as neutron-to-proton converter is proposed and studied with Geant4 toolkit for fast 14 MeV neutron.Our preliminary results show that the detection efficiency of the detector with 400 converter units is higher than 2.3% and reconstruction accuracy of the incident neutron position is higher than 2.6%.     

The Monte-Carlo simulation on a scintillator neutron detector

A simulation of the properties of the shifting scintillator neutron detector using 6LiF/ZnS(Ag) scintillation screens is performed.The simulation results show that the light attenuation length of standard BC704 scintillator is about 0.65 mm.Its thermal neutron detection efficiency,gamma sensitivity and intrinsic spatial resolution can achieve around 50.0%,10 5and 0.18 mm(along X-axis) respectively.For the detector,air coupling position resolution is better than the silicone oil coupling.Some of the simulation results are compared with experimental results.They are in agreement.This work will be helpful for constructing neutron detector for high intensity powder diffractometer at Chinese spallation neutron source.     

双维位置灵敏CsI(Tl)闪烁探测器

介绍了一种双维位置灵敏CsI(Tl)闪烁探测器, 利用GEANT4对它进行了蒙特卡罗模拟, 得到了RIB 17N的位置分布谱及探测器的空间位置分辨,　模拟结果与实验测量值很好地吻合。给出了影响探测器分辨的主要因素及改进方案。A two dimensional position sensitive CsI(Tl) scintillation detector readout with PSPMT was introduced. The performance of detector was simulated by using Monte Carlo code GEANT4. The position spectrum of RIB 17N and the detector’s position resolution were obtained, and the simulation results accorded with the experimental ones. The main factors, which can affect performance of the detector, and some planned detector improvements were presented.     

Prototype of a large neutron detector based on MWPC

A prototype of large-area position sensitive neutron detector was designed and constructed according to the requirements of the Small-Angle Scattering spectrometer of China Spallation Neutron Source(CSNS).The detector was based on the 3He neutron convertor and MWPC with an effective area of 650 mm×650 mm.A prototype was completed and tested with 55Fe X-ray.The high-pressure vessel was designed and constructed with high-strength aluminum alloy.A position resolution of about 4.6mm×2.3 mm(FWHM)and efficiency65%for neutrons with wavelength of 1.8?was determined after the operational gas filled.     

Study of Borromean halo nuclei by the neutron wall with simulation

The model of three-body Borromean halo nuclei breakup was described by using standard phase space distributions and the Monte Carlo simulation method was established to resolve the detection problem of two neutrons produced from breakup reaction on the neutron wall detector. For 6He case, overall resolution ~rEk for the Oaussiaal part of the detector response and the detection efficiency including solid angle acceptance with regard to the excitation energy Ek are obtained by the simulation of two neutrons from 6He breakup into the neutron wall. The effects of the algorithm on the angular and energy correlations of the fragments are briefly discussed.     

用于中子测量的俘获探测器研究

为了在弱中子场和有限小空间内测量绝对裂变率, 制作了俘获探测器, 研究了俘获探测器的性能。 介绍了用于中子测量的俘获探测器和铅屏蔽室, 以及该探测器系统在特定条件下测量裂变反应率的结果, 并与裂变室测量结果进行了比较。 探讨了铅屏蔽室大小对测量结果的影响。 To detect the absolute neutron flux in a weak neutron field and restricted space, the fission fragment trapping detector was fabricated and the properties of the detector were studied. In this paper, the detector and shielding chamber used in neutron detection were described and the experimental measurements of the fission rate in specific condition were performed with the detection system and the result has been compared with that obtained by fission chamber. The influence of the shielding chamber on the measured results was analyzed.     

散裂中子源高气压二维位置灵敏3He探测器的实验研究

为满足中国散裂中子源多功能反射谱仪中子探测器的基本物理要求:有效面积达到200 mm×200 mm、探测效率大于50%（2Å）、位置分辨好于2 mm等,中国科学院高能物理研究所研制了3He高气压二维多丝正比室位置灵敏中子探测器。该探测器采用二维多丝室结构,腔体内充3He/C₃H₈（6 atm/2.5 atm）的组合气体。本文首先利用Am/Be中子源完成对探测器全面积均匀性测试,均匀性指标达到了95.1%;探测器在中国散裂中子源的20号束流线站安装后,对其进行了在束测量,通过飞行时间选取波长2.8Å的慢中子,测量了探测器二维位置分辨和二维成像性能。在X方向（垂直于阳极丝的方向）的位置分辨为0.99 mm,Y方向（平行于阳极丝的方向）的位置分辨为1.36 mm,探测器具有很好的二维位置分辨和二维成像能力。测量结果表明探测器满足反射谱仪的研制要求。     

A capture-gated fast neutron detection method

To address the problem of the shortage of neutron detectors used in radiation portal monitors(RPMs),caused by the ~3He supply crisis, research on a cadmium-based capture-gated fast neutron detector is presented in this paper. The detector is composed of many 1 cm × 1 cm × 20 cm plastic scintillator cuboids covered by 0.1 mm thick film of cadmium. The detector uses cadmium to absorb thermal neutrons and produce capture γ-rays to indicate the detection of neutrons, and uses plastic scintillator to moderate neutrons and register γ-rays. This design removes the volume competing relationship in traditional ~3He counter-based fast neutron detectors, which hinders enhancement of the neutron detection efficiency. Detection efficiency of 21.66% ± 1.22% has been achieved with a 40.4 cm × 40.4cm × 20 cm overall detector volume. This detector can measure both neutrons and γ-rays simultaneously. A small detector(20.2 cm × 20.2 cm × 20 cm) demonstrated a 3.3 % false alarm rate for a ~(252)Cf source with a neutron yield of 1841 n/s from 50 cm away within 15 s measurement time. It also demonstrated a very low(0.06%) false alarm rate for a 3.21 × 10~5 Bq ~(137)Cs source. This detector offers a potential single-detector replacement for both neutron and the γ-ray detectors in RPM systems.     

Study of a nTHGEM-based thermal neutron detector

With new generation neutron sources, traditional neutron detectors cannot satisfy the demands of the applications, especially under high flux. Furthermore, facing the global crisis in ~3He gas supply, research on new types of neutron detector as an alternative to ~3He is a research hotspot in the field of particle detection. GEM(Gaseous Electron Multiplier) neutron detectors have high counting rate, good spatial and time resolution, and could be one future direction of the development of neutron detectors. In this paper, the physical process of neutron detection is simulated with Geant 4 code, studying the relations between thermal conversion efficiency, boron thickness and number of boron layers. Due to the special characteristics of neutron detection, we have developed a novel type of special ceramic n THGEM(neutron THick GEM) for neutron detection. The performance of the n THGEM working in different Ar/CO_2 mixtures is presented, including measurements of the gain and the count rate plateau using a copper target X-ray source. A detector with a single n THGEM has been tested for 2-D imaging using a ~(252)Cf neutron source. The key parameters of the performance of the n THGEM detector have been obtained, providing necessary experimental data as a reference for further research on this detector.     

用于中国散裂中子源多功能反射谱仪的高气压多丝正比室探测器的研制

中国散裂中子源需要建设一台多功能反射谱仪中子探测器,满足在10年运行期间内,50%(@2A)以上的探测效率、好于2 mm的二维位置分辨、200 mm×200 mm的灵敏面积、3倍的n/γ分辨能力及良好的二维成像性能.基于此要求,探测器因此采用基于高气压~3He气体的多丝正比室,并以满足反射谱仪的探测效率、位置分辨、长期稳定工作和n/y分辨能力为目标进行探测器的设计.本文经过模拟和实验计算得出:以9 mm厚的铝合金入射窗、铝丝密封的高气压腔体和6 bar~3He+2.5 bar C_3H_8的工作气体的设计,可满足探测器对2 A中子10年运行期间内54%以上的探测效率要求;探测器对中子的位置分辨可达到1.4 mm左右;设计的气体净化系统,拥有2 L/min的气流速度可有效去除探测器内的负电性杂质气体,气体循环净化后可提高探测器约27%的气体增益,保证探测器长期稳定的运行;通过对~(252)Cf中子源的能谱测量和成像测量,得出探测器的n/γ分辨能力在5倍以上和均匀的成像结果.研制的探测器满足反射谱仪需求,并已在中国散裂中子源反射谱仪靶站就位联调.     

Performance studies on high pressure 1-D position sensitive neutron detectors

The powder diffractometer and Hi-Q diffractometer at Dhruva reactor make use of five identical 1-D position sensitive detectors (PSDs) to scan scattering angles in the range 3° to 140°. In order to improve the overall throughput of these spectrometers, it is planned to install a bank of 15 high-efficiency and high-resolution PSDs arranged in three layers with five PSDs in each layer. With each high pressure PSD (³He 10 bar + Kr 2 bar) showing the efficiency gain of 1.8 at 1.2 Å, detector bank is expected to show overall gain of 5.5 times the present detection efficiency and reduction in data collection time by equivalent factor. The 1-D PSDs are developed in batches of five, and are characterized so that all PSDs operate at uniform parameters such as position resolution, uniformity of efficiency and linearity of response. Position spectrum indicates the differential position resolution to be ～1 mm and integral position resolution to be 3–4 mm. Broadening of position spectrum at the extreme end of sensitive length of PSD is analysed using fine shift of the beam. Dependence of position resolution and dynamic range of output pulse on the input impedance of pre-amplifier is also presented.     

Two-dimensional thermal neutron detector

A two-dimensional thermal neutron detector for neutron diffraction experiments has been developed and designed at the St. Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences. The detector is based on a multiwire proportional chamber with cathode-strip delay line readout. The detector aperture is 170 × 300 mm² and the anode wire spacing is 4 mm. The chamber is filled with a 1.5 atm ³He + 2 atm CF₄ gas mixture. To conserve high purity of the gas mixture, all electrodes are made of quartz glass. The spatial resolution of the detector is 2.5 mm and the detection efficiency is 60% for 9 Å neutrons.     

中国散裂中子源小角中子散射谱仪探测器研制

中子小角散射探测器是小角散射（SANS）谱仪的关键设备之一,探测器要求有足够大的探测面积、较高的探测效率及较好的空间分辨率,能够在真空腔中稳定地工作并可在腔体内前后移动。综合考虑,SANS探测器采用120只8 mm直径位置灵敏3He管,组成有效面积1 000 mm（X）×1 020 mm（Y）的二维探测器阵列。探测器阵列分为10个模块,每一个模块功能完全独立,包括12只3He管及其对应的读出电子学和数据获取系统。读出电子学位于探测器背面的回字形密闭腔体内,由CSNS电子学组自主研发。SANS探测器从设计、选型、样机、调试到安装历时三年,中子束流实验结果显示探测器探测效率大于50%（@2Å）,空间分辨率好于10 mm（FWHM）,完全达到设计要求,目前正在中国散裂中子源小角散射谱仪运行使用。     

A stopping layer concept to improve the spatial resolution of gas-electron-multiplier neutron detector

In recent years, gas electron multiplier (GEM) neutron detectors have been developing towards high spatial resolution and high dynamic counting range. We propose a novel concept of an Al stopping layer to enable the detector to achieve sub-millimeter (sub-mm) spatial resolution. The neutron conversion layer is coated with the Al stopping layer to limit the emission angle of ions into the drift region. The short track projection of ions is obtained on the signal readout board, and the detector would get good spatial resolution. The spatial resolutions of the GEM neutron detector with the Al stopping layer are simulated and optimized based on Geant4GarfieldInterface. The spatial resolution of the detector is 0.76 mm and the thermal neutron detection efficiency is about 0.01% when the Al stopping layer is 3.0 μ m thick, the drift region is 2 mm thick, the strip pitch is 600 μ m, and the digital readout is employed. Thus, the GEM neutron detector with a simple detector structure and a fast readout mode is developed to obtain a high spatial resolution and high dynamic counting range. It could be used for the direct measurement of a high-flux neutron beam, such as Bragg transmission imaging, very small-angle scattering neutron detection and neutron beam diagnostic.     

RIBLL终端大面积中子探测器阵列研制方案的理论计算

介绍了一种用于丰中子核研究的RIBLL终端大面积中子探测器阵列的研制.利用Geant4软件包对该探测系统的中子探测效率、时间分辨和位置分布等进行了蒙特卡罗模拟,同时对探测器的cross?talk进行了研究.给出了探测器的设计方案.