Diamond sensor arrays for neutron detection: Preamplifier signal dependence on sensor array configuration

• Computational study of diamond detector array designs on output signals.
• Series detector arrays are intrinsically limited due to sensor impedance.
• Parallel detector arrays increase detection efficiency and maintain signal integrity.
• Experimental verification of series and parallel diamond detector arrays.

Experimental verification of simulated results of series and parallel diamond detector arrays is reported. Eight commercially available electronic grade single crystal CVD diamond plates were used in series and parallel array configurations and were characterized through alpha particle and neutron exposures. It was found that a series array of diamond detectors is inherently limited due to the impedances of the diamond plates. Plutonium–beryllium neutron exposures were conducted with each of these diamond plates and on a parallel array of all eight diamond plates. It was found that the detection efficiency scaled linearly with the number of plates and that the pulse height from the preamplifier was not affected by the parallel array configuration. However, the additional capacitance introduced to the charge sensitive preamplifier indicates that there is a limitation to the total size that can be realized with a parallel diamond sensor array before significant signal degradation occurs.