Monte Carlo Radiation Transport Modelling of the Current-Biased Kinetic Inductance Detector

TL;DR

This study uses Monte Carlo simulations to analyze neutron imaging with the current-biased kinetic inductance detector, demonstrating potential sub-10 micron resolution and providing a model for optimizing detector design.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation approach for CB-KID, including energy deposition and resolution analysis, and develops an analytical model for detection efficiency.

Findings

Sub-10 micron imaging resolution is feasible with current CB-KID design.

Simulated detection efficiencies serve as upper bounds, excluding real-world effects.

The modeling approach can guide future CB-KID design improvements.

Abstract

Radiation transport simulations were used to analyse neutron imaging with the current-biased kinetic inductance detector (CB-KID). The PHITS Monte Carlo code was applied for simulating neutron, $^{4}$He, $^{7}$Li, photon and electron transport, $^{10}$B(n,$\alpha$)$^{7}$Li reactions, and energy deposition by particles within CB-KID. Slight blurring in simulated CB-KID images originated $^{4}$He and $^{7}$Li ions spreading out in random directions from the $^{10}$B conversion layer in the detector prior to causing signals in the $X$ and $Y$ superconducting Nb nanowire meander lines. 478 keV prompt gamma rays emitted by $^{7}$Li nuclei from neutron-$^{10}$B reactions had negligible contribution to the simulated CB-KID images. Simulated neutron images of $^{10}$B dot arrays indicate that sub 10 $\mu$m resolution imaging should be feasible with the current CB-KID design. The effect of the geometrical structure of CB-KID on the intrinsic detection efficiency was calculated from the simulations. An analytical equation was then developed to approximate this contribution to the detection efficiency. Detection efficiencies calculated in this study are upper bounds for the reality as the effects of detector temperature, the bias current, signal processing and dead-time losses were not taken into account. The modelling strategies employed in this study could be used to evaluate modifications to the CB-KID design prior to actual fabrication and testing, conveying a time and cost saving.