Position Sensitive Detectors for Thermal Neutrons Using Image Intensifiers,CCDs and Image Plates

Abstract

This paper describes novel detection techniques for thermal neutrons and the performance of prototype position sensitive detectors. The first detector, developed and built at our institute, is our so-called “Handmonitor”. It uses a scintillator and an image intensifier, optically coupled to a CCD camera for electronic readout. The second detector consists of a cooled CCD camera, equipped with a high aperture lens, looking at a large area scintillator. The third detector type uses an image plate, specially designed for neutron detection. It performs all necessary processing steps, like exposure, scanning and reconditioning in situ. Measurements of the relevant detector parameters, like the detective quantum efficiency, spatial resolution, dynamic range and gamma sensitivity are presented and discussed.