Boron Nitride Coatings for the Enhanced Detection of Neutrons in CR-39

TL;DR

This study introduces a boron nitride coating for CR-39 detectors to improve neutron detection efficiency by converting neutrons into detectable alpha particles, evaluated across different neutron sources.

Contribution

The paper develops and tests a BN coating for CR-39, providing a new method to enhance neutron detection efficiency across various neutron spectra.

Findings

BN coating increases detection efficiency for neutron sources

Optical and SEM analysis confirm enhanced alpha particle production

Guidelines established for using BN-coated CR-39 in neutron detection

Abstract

The neutron detection efficiency of Columbia Resin 39 (CR-39) nuclear track detectors was assessed for AmBe, 252Cf, and D-T (14 MeV) neutron source spectra. A boron nitride (BN) coating for CR-39 was developed to enhance the neutron detection efficiency by converting neutrons into energetic alpha particles through the well-known 10B(n,a)7Li reaction. Separate partially coated CR-39 pieces were exposed to each neutron source and subsequently analyzed under optical microscope and through large-area Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging over the irradiated area. The detection efficiency (tracks per neutron) was evaluated for each source spectra under optical and scanning electron microscopes and with or without BN coating. This resulted in a comprehensive guide to neutron detection with various sources using CR-39.