This book covers the most common neutron detectors used in neutron scattering facilities and all of those in use at Oak Ridge National Lab. It starts describing the facilities, instruments and the critical detector parameters needed by various instruments. Then the key components of the 3He-based linear position-sensitive detectors as well as on their electronics, which require particular attention to signal processing and noise reduction, are introduced. One chapter is dedicated to the 3He alternatives where scintillators play a critical role. It also covers emerging neutron detection technologies including semiconductors, vacuum-based devices and their associated readouts, which will be required in the future for high rate and high-resolution neutron detectors. The authors explain the logic behind the choice of materials as well as the various constraints that neutron detectors must respect to be useful. Some of these constraints, such as efficiency and gamma-ray sensitivity are common to all neutron counters while others, like timing resolution, dynamic range, and peak counting rate, depend on the applications. The book guides experts, the nuclear science community, and young scholars through the physical processes and the required electronics in a way that is accessible for those not professionally involved in designing detector’s components and electronic circuits.

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to the fundamental theory and applications of slow-neutron scattering.

Neutron Imaging and Applications offers an introduction to the basics of neutron beam production in addition to the wide scope of techniques that enhance imaging application capabilities. An instructional overview of neutron sources, detectors, optics and spin-filters allows readers to delve more deeply into the discussions of radiography, tomography and prospective applications available in neutron holography techniques. A section devoted to current applications describes imaging single grains in polycrystalline materials, neutron imaging of geological materials and other materials science and engineering areas. Coverage of thermal neutron imaging of biological tissues, plant physiology, Homeland Security and contraband detection explore the future prospects of this cutting-edge research. Written by key experts in the field, researchers and engineers involved with imaging technologies will find Neutron Imaging and Applications a valuable reference.

The Gaseous Electron Multiplier (GEM) neutron detector is one of several new concepts that are being designed for the next generation neutron sources. The detector contains multiple modules where each module contains a central neutron converter, several cascaded GEM foils, and readout plates on both sides of the cathode. The device employs a Gd/CsI converter sandwich to convert the neutron to an electric signal. Upon neutron absorption in the Gd layer, conversion electrons are emitted with a probability of 86.5%. Primary electrons travel into the CsI and multiply, inducing the emission of low energy electrons from the converter surface. Several cascaded GEM foils placed on both sides of the converter amplify the signal. The position of the signal is then time stamped and detected by position sensitive anodes and localization electronics. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations, using the PENELOPE code package, have been completed in order to calculate integral and differential characteristics (i. e. the average number of secondary electrons emitted from the converter and the secondary electron escape probability distribution) of various converter thicknesses. The performance of the detector can be assessed by estimating the secondary electron (SE) leakage from the converter foil. Simulations to calculate the SE leakage have been performed for both the single and several multiple module designs. The multiple module design allows for a greater SE leakage while maintaining high detector efficiency and divides the total count rate among several sets of decoding electronics. Tests of several different detector prototypes were completed at the NCSU PULSTAR reactor. Results of the tests of the prototype detectors revealed the essential elements of detector operation. Detector efficiencies, pulse height spectra, and 2-D position spectra have been measured with each of the detector prototypes.

This 2-volume set includes extensive discussions of scattering techniques (light, neutron and X-ray) and related fluctuation and grating techniques that are at the forefront of this field. Most of the scattering techniques are Fourier space techniques. Recent advances have seen the development of powerful direct imaging methods such as atomic force microscopy and scanning probe microscopy. In addition, techniques that can be used to manipulate soft matter on the nanometer scale are also in rapid development. These include the scanning probe microscopy technique mentioned above as well as optical and magnetic tweezers.

The handbook centers on detection techniques in the field of particle physics, medical imaging and related subjects. It is structured into three parts. The first one is dealing with basic ideas of particle detectors, followed by applications of these devices in high energy physics and other fields. In the last part the large field of medical imaging using similar detection techniques is described. The different chapters of the book are written by world experts in their field. Clear instructions on the detection techniques and principles in terms of relevant operation parameters for scientists and graduate students are given.Detailed tables and diagrams will make this a very useful handbook for the application of these techniques in many different fields like physics, medicine, biology and other areas of natural science.

The Theory and Practice of Scintillation Counting is a comprehensive account of the theory and practice of scintillation counting. This text covers the study of the scintillation process, which is concerned with the interactions of radiation and matter; the design of the scintillation counter; and the wide range of applications of scintillation counters in pure and applied science. The book is easy to read despite the complex nature of the subject it attempts to discuss. It is organized such that the first five chapters illustrate the fundamental concepts of scintillation counting. Chapters 6 to 10 detail the properties and applications of organic scintillators, while the next four chapters discuss inorganic scintillators. The last two chapters provide a review of some outstanding problems and a postscript. Nuclear physicists, radiation technologists, and postgraduate students of nuclear physics will find the book a good reference material.