Experimental research on the THGEM-based thermal neutron detector

TL;DR

This paper presents the development and preliminary testing of a novel thermal neutron detector using domestically produced THGEM technology as an alternative to 3He, including performance evaluation and neutron imaging capabilities.

Contribution

It introduces a new Au-coated THGEM-based neutron detector prototype and provides initial experimental data for future research.

Findings

Successful operation of Au-coated THGEM in Ar/CO2 gas mixtures

Preliminary neutron imaging with 252Cf source

Performance data supporting future neutron detection applications

Abstract

A new thermal neutron detector with the domestically produced THGEM (THick Gas Electron Multiplier) was developed as an alternative to 3He to meet the needs of the next generation of neutron facilities. One type of Au-coated THGEM was designed specifically for the neutron detection. A detector prototype had been developed and the preliminary experimental tests were presented, including the performance of the Au-coated THGEM working in the Ar/CO2 gas mixtures and the neutron imaging test with 252CF source, which would provide the reference of experimental data for the research in future.