Square single-wire detectors for neutron diffraction studies

The construction of new neutron facilities in Europe, Japan and the United States signals the need for many kinds of neutron detectors. In order to address a portion of this need, we are developing low-cost, reliable, medium-resolution (1–2.5 cm), single-wire-per-tube neutron gaseous detectors for moderate counting rates of about 106 counts/m2/s that are capable of being used in a vacuum environment. The detectors are fabricated with square tubes in order to avoid the efficiency problems of round tubes. Components used on the interior of the detector are chosen to have low outgassing rates. The detectors are baked while attached to a vacuum pumping station in order to assure a long lifetime without changing the gas.