CASCADE - a multi-layer Boron-10 neutron detection system

TL;DR

The CASCADE detector is a novel multi-layer boron-10 neutron detection system designed as an efficient helium-3 alternative for neutron spin echo spectroscopy, offering high-rate, 2D spatial resolution, and precise time-of-flight measurement.

Contribution

It introduces a multi-layer boron-10 coated GEM system that enhances detection efficiency and enables precise time-of-flight determination for neutron spectroscopy.

Findings

Achieves high detection efficiency with boron-10 layers

Enables 2D spatially resolved neutron detection at high rates

Allows precise time-of-flight measurement for MIEZE spin echo

Abstract

The globally increased demand for helium-3 along with the limited availability of this gas calls for the development of alternative technologies for the large ESS instrumentation pool. We report on the CASCADE Project - a novel detection system, which has been developed for the purposes of neutron spin echo spectroscopy. It features 2D spatially resolved detection of thermal neutrons at high rates. The CASCADE detector is composed of a stack of solid boron-10 coated Gas Electron Multiplier foils, which serve both as a neutron converter and as an amplifier for the primary ionization deposited in the standard Argon-CO2 counting gas environment. This multi-layer setup efficiently increases the detection efficiency and serves as a helium-3 alternative. It has furthermore been possible to extract the signal of the charge traversing the stack to identify the very thin conversion layer of about 1 micrometer. This allows the precise determination of the time-of-flight, necessary for the application in MIEZE spin echo techniques.