ARI-MA Improved Detection of Fast Neutrons and Special Nuclear Material (SNM)

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

1038691VahsenThis award will support the investigation of a new approach to fast neutron detection that utilizes two new detector technologies that the PIs have experience with from experimental particle physics; Gas Electron Multipliers and Silicon Pixel Electronics. These technologies should result in much improved time and position resolution in the readout of gas-filled detectors, so that high rates (up to ~1 MHz/cm2) of both neutrons and charged particles (which may result in false neutron signals) can be measured with much greater precision, and with a lower energy threshold, than with traditional approaches. This is expected to translate into improved ability to locate and identify SNM, as well as significantly reduced rate of false SNM alarms. The project provides good opportunity for the graduate students and postdoc to obtain training in detector development and characterization. The Postdoc Mentoring Plan is well-organized and appropriate. A scaled up system, if technically feasible, would be very attractive to the DNDO mission.