SBIR Phase I: Efficient, High-Resolution Fast-Neutron Detector

这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目将开发一种比以前的探测器具有更高分辨率和效率的快中子探测器。由于快中子具有很强的穿透性，它们有可能成像和探测大型高密度物体。不幸的是，这种能力也需要厚厚的高效闪烁体材料，导致低分辨率检测。提出的研究将通过使用带有液体闪烁体的光通道微血管来解决这个问题，这些闪烁体装载了阻止中子的原子。此外，将使用最先进的图像增强CCD相机，能够创建短时间间隔的图像，其中可以识别和滤除噪声。探测器系统的效率和分辨率将通过先进的射线成像模型进行分析，该模型使用系统理论方法处理探测器组件。快中子用于射线照相和非破坏性评价开辟了一个全新的材料组合和厚度范围，可以成像。本提案旨在通过开发一种能够在不牺牲探测器效率的情况下进行高分辨率成像的快中子探测器，大大提高对厚、高密度物体的无损评估。该探测器将与另一项正在开发的便携式高亮度快中子源一起使用，以形成快中子射线照相系统。提出的探测器和源系统将服务于商用和军用飞机、公用事业和石化组织的无损检测利益。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a fast-neutron detector capable of higher resolution and efficiency than previous detectors. Because fast neutrons are highly penetrating, they have the possibility of imaging and interrogating large, high-density objects. Unfortunately, this ability also requires a thick highly-efficient scintillator material resulting in low resolution detection. The proposed research will address this problem by using light-channeling micro-capillaries with liquid scintillants that are loaded with neutron-stopping atoms. In addition, a state of the art image-intensified CCD camera capable of creating short time-interval images will be used, in which noise can be identified and filtered out. The efficiency and resolution of the detector system will be analyzed by an advanced radiographic model of imaging which treats the detector components using a systems theory approach. The use of fast neutrons for radiography and non-destructive evaluation opens a whole new range of material combinations and thicknesses that can be imaged. This proposal aims to greatly improve nondestructive evaluation of thick, high-density objects by developing a fast neutron detector capable of high resolution imaging without sacrificing detector efficiency. The detector will be used with a portable high-brightness fast neutron source being developed under another program to form a fast-neutron radiographic system. The proposed system of detector and source will serve the nondestructive testing interests of commercial and military aircraft, public utilities and petrochemical organizations.