Novel Neutron Detectors based on the Time Projection Method

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel thermal neutron detector prototype utilizing the time projection method with high-resolution pixel sensors, enabling detailed track visualization and background discrimination.

Contribution

The paper presents the first prototype of a neutron detector based on the time projection method with integrated pixel sensors and event reconstruction capabilities.

Findings

Achieved a spatial resolution of approximately 115 micrometers.

Demonstrated visualization of particle tracks with spatial and time information.

Showcased potential for scaling to larger detector areas.

Abstract

We present the first prototype of a novel thermal neutron detector using the time projection method. The system consists of 8 TimePix ASICS with postprocessed InGrid meshes. Each ASIC has 256 x 256 pixels of 55 mum x 55mum in size with the capability to measure charge or time. This allows to visualize entire conversion particle tracks with their spatial and time information and, by using event reconstruction algorithms, discriminate against the background of others. By using the Scalable Readout System the detector as presented here could also be upscaled to much larger active areas. In the current configuration we could achieve a spatial resolution of $\sigma = (115\pm8)$ mum.