Improvements to the Leake neutron detector II: Extension to 10 GeV energy

We report on an improved design of neutron ambient dose equivalent (DE) detector, SNS-LINUS, consisting of a spherical polyethylene detector with internal shields of boron and lead based on the LINUS model thus extending the response to the GeV region. The computed Monte Carlo neutron ambient DE energy response is within a factor ±2.4 from 0.1 keV to 10 GeV with a detector weight of 7.8 kg that is significantly lower than other LINUS designs. The ambient DE response in the 50 keV–10 MeV range is within a factor ±1.36 (i.e. ±30%). The main applications are likely to be around particle accelerators, in aircraft or in spacecraft. The improved response in the 20 MeV energy region should make it attractive for use with fission sources.The computed responses of the SNS NGREM and LINUS detectors to pulsed neutrons and limits for their prudent use in portable monitors in such fields are given. The effect of large gamma bursts on the measurement of pulsed neutrons is discussed with recommendations made to enable operation up to 10 μGy of gamma radiation per burst.We propose a method of extending the dynamic range for pulsed neutron detection in which the neutron decay within the moderator is used to make measurements at a time at which the count rate losses are acceptable.