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Future Of Semiconductor Based Thermal Neutron Detectors, R. J. Nikolić, Chin Li Cheung, C. E. Reinhardt, T. F. Wang

Barry Chin Li Cheung Publications

Thermal neutron detectors have seen only incremental improvements over the last decades. In this paper we overview the current technology of choice for thermal neutron detection – ³He tubes, which suffer from, moderate to poor fieldability, and low absolute efficiency. The need for improved neutron detection is evident due to this technology gap and the fact that neutrons are a highly specific indicator of fissile material. Recognizing this need, we propose to exploit recent advances in microfabrication technology for building the next generation of semiconductor thermal neutron detectors for national security requirements, for applications requiring excellent fieldability of small …