Three-dimensional detectors for neutron imaging

Solid-state sensors fabricated with 3D technologies and coupled to different neutron converter materials have been developed by several groups as direct replacement of 3He gas detectors, mainly for homeland security applications. Results so far achieved in terms of detection efficiency are quite good (up to ≃50%) and, combined with the intrinsic excellent position resolution of silicon sensors, could lead to high performance neutron imaging systems. In this paper, we review the state of the art in three-dimensional silicon sensors for thermal-neutron detection, addressing the most promising solutions for neutron imaging. Moreover, selected results from the developments at the University of Trento on 3D pixelated detectors having relatively low fabrication complexity and expected high neutron detection efficiency up to 30% will be reported.