Study of Silicon+6LiF thermal neutron detectors: GEANT4 simulations versus real data

TL;DR

This study uses GEANT4 simulations to analyze silicon+6LiF thermal neutron detectors and compares results with real experimental data, confirming the detector's behavior and efficiency understanding.

Contribution

It provides a detailed comparison between GEANT4 simulations and real data for silicon+6LiF neutron detectors, enhancing understanding of their operation and response.

Findings

High agreement between simulations and real data

Validation of detector response and efficiency

Supports development of alternative neutron detection technologies

Abstract

Research and development on alternative thermal neutron detection technologies and methods are nowadays needed as a possible replacement of 3He-based ones. Commercial solid state silicon detectors, coupled with neutron converter layers containing 6Li, have been proved to represent a viable solution for several applications as present in literature. In order to better understand the detailed operation and the response and efficiency of such detectors, a series of dedicated GEANT4 simulations were performed and compared with real data collected in a few different configurations. The results show a remarkable agreement between data and simulations, indicating that the behavior of the detector is fully understood.