Detection of fast neutrons with the pixel detector Timepix3
Granja C. Uhlar R. Chuprakov I. Alexa P. Sansarbayar E. Gledenov Y.M. Poklop D. Olsansky V. Marek L. Vuolo M. Pacik J.
1 January 2023Institute of Physics
Journal of Instrumentation
2023#18Issue 1
We examined the response of the pixel detector Timepix3 with silicon sensor to well-defined fast neutron fields. Part of the pixel detector silicon sensor was additionally equipped with a neutron mask of distinct converter regions. The mask consists of separate thermal and fast neutron regions using 6LiF and hydrogen (plastic) converters, respectively. Measurements were performed with mono-energetic fast neutrons produced at D-D and D-T sources from a Van de Graaff accelerator and a neutron generator, respectively. Data were collected with low background including measurements with moderator material to provide a thermalized neutron component. All the signals produced in the detector were analyzed and decomposed in terms of the spectral-tracking response of the pixel detector. The effect of the fast and thermal components of the neutron converter were determined and compared with direct interactions in the silicon sensor which are significant and can be dominant for fast neutrons. We identify and classify the neutron-induced tracks in terms of the broad-type particle-event track classes. A partial overlap is unavoidable with tracks from direct detection of other radiations in particular protons and low-energy light ions as well as X rays. This will limit the neutron-event discrimination in mixed-radiation fields. The detection response according sensor-mask region was examined and calibrated for the investigated neutron fields. The neutron detection efficiency is selectively derived for the detector particle-event classes. This approach enables to enhance the neutron-discrimination and suppress background and unwanted events. This work enables to extend the response matrix of the detector for broad-type radiations to include neutrons both fast and thermal. The results serve to enhance the sensitivity and determine the neutron component in unknown and mixed-radiation fields such as outer space and particle radiotherapy environments.
Neutron detectors (cold, thermal, fast neutrons) , Particle identification methods , Particle tracking detectors (Solid-state detectors) , Pixelated detectors and associated VLSI electronics
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Advacam, U Pergamenky 12 Prague 7, 170 00, Czech Republic
VSB-Technical University of Ostrava, 17. listopadu 2172/15, Ostrava, 708 00, Czech Republic
Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, 141980, Russian Federation
Institute of Nuclear Physics, Ministry of Energy, Almaty, 050032, Kazakhstan
Nuclear Research Center, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, 210646, Mongolia
Nuclear Physics Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec, Rez, 250 68, Czech Republic
Mathematics-Physics Faculty, Charles University, V Holesovickach 2, Prague 8, 180 00, Czech Republic
European Space Agency, ESA, ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, Noordwijk, 2201, Netherlands
Advacam
VSB-Technical University of Ostrava
Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics
Institute of Nuclear Physics
Nuclear Research Center
Nuclear Physics Institute
Mathematics-Physics Faculty
European Space Agency
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