A double-helix neutron detector using micron-size B-10 powder

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel large-area neutron detector using a double-helix electrode design and B-10 powder coating, achieving efficiency comparable to traditional helium-3 detectors at a lower cost and with proven long-term stability.

Contribution

It introduces a new double-helix electrode configuration combined with B-10 powder coating for large-area neutron detection, demonstrating comparable efficiency and durability.

Findings

Detection efficiency similar to 36-inch $^3$He tubes

Operational stability over 18 months with less than 1% efficiency change

Estimated production cost under $3,000 per unit

Abstract

A double-helix electrode configuration is combined with a $^{10}$B powder coating technique to build large-area (9 in $\times$ 36 in) neutron detectors. The neutron detection efficiency for each of the four prototypes is comparable to a single 2-bar $^3$He drift tube of the same length (36 in). One unit has been operational continuously for 18 months and the change of efficiency is less than 1%. An analytic model for pulse heigh spectra is described and the predicted mean film thickness agrees with the experiment to within 30%. Further detector optimization is possible through film texture, power size, moderator box and gas. The estimated production cost per unit is less than 3k US\$ and the technology is thus suitable for deployment in large numbers.