A 16-ch module for thermal neutron detection using ZnS:${}^6$LiF scintillator with embedded WLS fibers coupled to SiPMs and its dedicated readout electronics

TL;DR

This paper introduces a scalable 16-channel thermal neutron detection module utilizing ZnS:${}^6$LiF scintillators with embedded WLS fibers coupled to SiPMs, enhancing neutron detection capabilities for diffractometry.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel 16-channel neutron detection module with dedicated electronics, demonstrating improved performance and uniformity over traditional ${}^3$He detectors.

Findings

Comparable or improved detection performance compared to ${}^3$He detectors

High channel-to-channel uniformity achieved

Effective integration with neutron diffractometers

Abstract

A scalable 16-ch thermal neutron detection system has been developed in the framework of the upgrade of a neutron diffractometer. The detector is based on ZnS:${}^6$LiF scintillator with embedded WLS fibers which are read out with SiPMs. In this paper, we present the 16-ch module, the dedicated readout electronics, a direct comparison between the performance of the diffractometer obtained with the current ${}^3$He detector and with the 16-ch detection module, and the channel-to-channel uniformity.