Observation of the n(3He,t)p Reaction by Detection of Far-Ultraviolet Radiation

TL;DR

This paper reports the detection of Lyman alpha radiation resulting from the n(3He,t)p reaction, proposing a novel neutron detection method with potential for high sensitivity, compactness, and low-voltage operation.

Contribution

It introduces a new neutron detection technique based on ultraviolet radiation emitted during the reaction, expanding the options beyond traditional proportional counters.

Findings

Detected tens of Lyman alpha photons per neutron reaction

Suggests a method for single neutron sensitivity

Potential for compact, low-voltage neutron detectors

Abstract

We have detected Lyman alpha radiation as a product of the n(3He,t)p nuclear reaction occurring in a cell of 3He gas. The predominant source of this radiation appears to be decay of the 2p state of tritium produced by charge transfer and excitation collisions with the background 3He gas. Under the experimental conditions reported here we find yields of tens of Lyman alpha photons for every neutron reaction. These results suggest a method of cold neutron detection that is complementary to existing technologies that use proportional counters. In particular, this approach may provide single neutron sensitivity with wide dynamic range capability, and a class of neutron detectors that are compact and operate at relatively low voltages.