Design of a GEM-based detector for the measurement of fast neutrons

A novel neutron detector has been developed and tested in collaboration between LNF-INFN and ENEA-Frascati. The aim is to obtain a versatile system that can be employed for the simultaneous measurement of the neutron flux in various energy bands from 1 to 20 MeV. The main drive for this development is the need of neutron detectors with low sensitivity to γ -rays and high count rate capability for operation in the neutron flux environment ~ 3 × 10 8 n / cm 2 s expected in future controlled thermonuclear fusion reactors. In these devices the fusion power is assessed through the measurement of the 2.5 and 14 MeV neutrons emitted by the plasma. A multilayer detector architecture, including a proton recoil converter, a proton absorber and a triple Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM), has been adopted. The detector read-out system consists of 128 pads ( 12.3 × 6 mm 2 ) in a 8 × 16 matrix. The work on the detector design and optimization carried out with the MCNPX code and the experimental tests at the Frascati Neutron Generator (FNG) on a detector prototype for 2.5 and 14 MeV measurements are presented.