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

该小型企业创新研究第二阶段研究项目将开发一种能够实现高分辨率和高效率的快中子成像探测器。传统上，快中子探测需要厚的低分辨率闪烁体材料。这项拟议中的研究将使用充满液体澄清剂的光通道微毛细管。将使用能够创建短时间间隔图像的最先进的图像增强CCD相机来确定将产生最佳分辨率和效率的毛细管直径和长度，其中可以识别并过滤掉噪声。探测器系统将使用该公司正在制造和销售的一种新的革命性快中子源进行测试。由于快中子具有很强的穿透力，它们有可能对大的、高密度的物体进行成像和询问。新的高分辨率快中子探测器将与另一个计划正在开发的高亮度快中子源一起使用，以形成快中子射线照相系统。该系统将服务于商业和军用飞机，公用事业和石化组织的无损检测利益。探测器和发电机的组合将提高核电站和其他发电厂设施的安全性、可靠性和效率。在不去除绝缘的情况下发现疲劳裂纹和管道完整性，并可能检测聚合物电缆材料的老化。该成像系统将是便携式的，允许成像内部的厚钢，铅，甚至铀的空隙，腐蚀和裂缝。所提出的探测器和中子发生器在筛查违禁品、武器和爆炸物方面有很大的市场。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II research project will develop a fast-neutron imaging detector capable of high resolution and efficiency. Traditionally, fast neutron detection has required a thick, low resolution scintillator material. The proposed research will instead use light-channeling micro-capillaries filled with liquid scintillants. The capillary diameter and length that will yield optimal resolution and efficiency will be determined using a state-of-the-art image-intensified CCD camera capable of creating short time-interval images, in which noise can be identified and filtered out. The detector system will be tested using a new, revolutionary fast neutron source that is being fabricated and sold by the company. Because fast neutrons are highly penetrating, they have the possibility of imaging and interrogating large, high-density objects. The new high-resolution fast-neutron detector will be used with a high-brightness fast neutron source being developed under another program to form a fast-neutron radiographic system. This system will serve the nondestructive testing interests of commercial and military aircraft, public utilities and petrochemical organizations. The detector and generator combinations will increase the safety, reliability and efficiency of nuclear and other power plant facilities. The discovery of fatigue cracks and piping integrity without the removal of insulation, and possibly the detection of aging in polymeric cabling materials will be possible. The imaging system will be portable, permitting imaging inside of thick steel, lead or even uranium for voids, corrosion and cracks. The proposed detector and neutron generator has a large market for screening for contraband, weapons, and explosives.