Characterization of the JUDIDT Readout Electronics for Neutron Detection

TL;DR

This paper details the characterization and commissioning of the JUDIDT readout electronics used in a neutron detection prototype with an Anger Camera, focusing on its performance and suitability for neutron track reconstruction.

Contribution

It presents the adaptation and testing of JUDIDT electronics for a neutron detector prototype, demonstrating its capability to handle data acquisition for neutron impact point reconstruction.

Findings

Electronics successfully commissioned for neutron detection

Effective data acquisition for neutron impact point reconstruction

Compatibility of JUDIDT with the neutron detector prototype

Abstract

The Group for the development of neutron and gamma detectors in the Central Institute of Engineering, Electronics and Analytics (ZEA-2) at Forschungszentrum Juelich (FZJ) has developed, in collaboration with European institutes, an Anger Camera prototype for improving the impact point reconstruction of neutron tracks. The detector is a chamber filled with $^3He+CF_4$ gas for neutron capture and subsequent production of a tritium and a proton. The energy deposition by the ions gives rise to drifting electrons with an avalanche amplification as they approach a micro-strip anode structure. The scintillating light, generated during the electron drift and avalanche stage, is collected by four vacuum photomultipliers. The position reconstruction is performed via software algorithms. The JUDIDT readout electronics was modified at ZEA-2 to cope with the data acquisition requirements of the prototype. The results of the commissioning of the electronics are here presented and commented.