Large area portable neutron detectors Helium-3 alternatives

PartTec, Ltd. has, for the past 3 years, pursued the development of ³He alternative neutron detectors for applications such as border security, portal monitors and handheld devices. This paper discusses PartTec´s mobile, very large area, ruggedized and highly efficient neutron detector. The detector´s construction and performance are outlined in the paper. The goals for development of the detector are to meet all performance standards of the ANSI N42.43 committee´s publication, “American National Standard Performance Criteria for Mobile and Transportable Radiation Monitors Used for Homeland Security.” The introductory model of PartTec´s line of mobile neutron detectors has an active area of 3,600 cm², consists of 1,200 wavelength shifting fibers, 12 single anode photomultiplier tubes and 60cm × 60cm ⁶LiF:ZnS(Ag) scintillator sheets. The purpose of the paper is to introduce to the community the successful implementation of the use of LiF scintillator-based neutron detectors in real-world applications, showing that a commercially viable helium-3 replacement can now be developed. The paper discusses issues related to this detection technology including its performance, manufacture, availability, design flexibility, and cost.