Lanthanide based solid state nano-composite neutron detector.

Offentlig prosjektsammendrag

After the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, the U.S. government began deploying neutron detectors at their borders to secure them against smuggled nuclear material, creating an increased demand. Helium-3, is the most important isotope for neutron detection, and is a by-product of nuclear weapons production. However, the continued reduction in the nuclear stockpile, has produced a worldwide shortage of of this gas. Increased interest in the use of neutrons for particle therapy treatment and for scientific investigation (with the building of the European Spallation Source in Sweden), has also further increased the demands for alternative, sustainable neutron detection technology. EnSol's LaNNDe project aims to replace He-3 based neutron detectors with a cost effective, solid-state device. Nanoparticles made of neutron absorbing material will be dispersed in a semiconductor matrix, forming a composite which is both neutron sensitive and has favorable electronic properties, allowing direct readout of the neutron flux.