SBIR-STTR Award

Currently available position-sensitive neutron detectors limit the full utilization of beam power and resolution capabilities of existing or proposed steady-state and pulsed neutron scattering facilities used in materials research. To remove some of these limitations, this project will develop advanced neutron detectors based on a novel pixel-cell design with miniature ionization-chambers. Sets of these pixel-cells and their pulse processing electronics will be grouped into detector modules and arranged in a common gas envelope to build neutron detectors with substantially improved characteristics and versatility. In Phase I, the characteristics of this pixel-cell design will be investigated. A detector module will be developed and tested in a high-intensity, pulsed neutron source to (1) characterize its performance; (2) demonstrate the feasibility of building a large-area detector (˜1mm2) with high count-rate capability (106n/s per pixel), low gamma sensitivity, and high efficiency (65% @ 9 meV); and (3) prove this new detector technology is adaptable to meet future neutron-detector development requirements. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: The improved detectors should find applications in neutron-scattering facilities in the U.S. and worldwide because they enable the full utilization beam of power and resolution capability and greatly reduce operation costs. Other fields of neutron imaging (e.g., airport security and radiography) should also benefit from this research.

Currently available position-sensitive neutron detectors limit the full utilization of beam power and resolution capabilities of existing and proposed steady-state and pulsed neutron scattering facilities used in materials research. To remove these limitations, this project will develop neutron detectors using a novel pixel-cell design in a modular configuration. The self-contained detector modules will be grouped into versatile, large-area detector arrays of customized size and resolution. In Phase I, solutions to basic design and fabrication problems with pixel-cell detector modules were found; demonstration modules were developed and tested; and connector plates, interfaces, and the electronic systems architecture also were developed. In Phase II, the basic concepts will be expanded, necessary production facilities for manufacturing a line of detector modules will be developed and built, prototypic microcircuits will be fabricated, and full scale evaluation modules will be built.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:
The modular pixel-cell detector technology should find immediate application at existing or future neutron scattering facilities. Not only does this open a significant market worldwide, but also greatly enhances the utilization of power and resolution capabilities of these facilities, which are currently limited by the characteristics of existing neutron detectors.