Optimising Scintillating Neutron Detectors for Cosmic Ray Soil Moisture Monitoring

TL;DR

This paper explores optimizing scintillating neutron detectors using Geant4 simulations to provide a cost-effective alternative for cosmic ray soil moisture monitoring, potentially reducing reliance on expensive Helium-3 or BF3 tubes.

Contribution

It introduces a novel scintillator-based neutron detector design optimized via Geant4 simulations for agricultural soil moisture monitoring.

Findings

Optimized scintillator detector design identified.

Potential cost reduction compared to Helium-3 and BF3 tubes.

Applicability for industrial agriculture settings.

Abstract

Cosmic Ray Neutron Sensing (CRNS) is a powerful technique that allows non-invasive monitoring of soil moisture on length scales well matched for agricultural applications. One factor limiting the use of the technique within industrial agriculture settings is the high initial cost of Helium-3 or BF3 tubes typically used for ground level neutron monitoring. This paper discusses the use of Geant4 to optimise an alternative scintillator based neutron detector that may be applicable for challenges where cost is a higher driving factor than temporal resolution.