Description:
Reference #: 00863
Background:
Neutron detection and imaging has recently gained enormous importance in applications for homeland security, with particular emphasis on detecting explosives, radioactive materials, and materials associated with nuclear weapons – such as plutonium, which is a significant source of fission-based neutrons. The demand of homeland security has led to a shortage of 3He, which is used in the most common gaseous based neutron detector, because large scale radiation portal monitoring systems are being deployed by the thousands.
Challenge:
Because of the high demand for Neutron detection and imaging based systems for homeland security applications, a need exists for alternative neutron detection systems, such as neutron scintillating materials used in smaller neutron detectors for scattering and imaging.
Invention Description:
The subject invention is directed to class of materials for neutron detection. The materials are based on earth ions doped in host lattices. Some of the neutron- scintillating materials provided include boron substitution scintillation materials, boron and Li substitution scintillation materials, and Gd-based substitution scintillation materials.
Potential Applications:
Neutron detection and imaging systems for homeland security for such uses as detecting explosives, radioactive materials, and materials associated with nuclear weapons –such as plutonium, which is a significant source of fission-based neutrons.
Advantages and Benefits:
The invention constitutes an alternative class of neutron scintillating materials that can be used in smaller neutron detectors for scattering and imaging.