Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8179592 | Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment | 2013 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
Reticulated vitreous carbon (RVC) foams coated with 3â11μm thick layers of boron carbide (B4C) are experimentally characterized for use as an active material for neutron detection. The potential advantage of this material over thin films is that it can be fabricated in any shape and its porous structure may enhance the emission surface area for ionizing charged particles following thermal neutron capture. A coated foam is also advantageous because the neutron-absorbing material is only on the surface, which is more efficient for α particle emission on a per captured neutron basis. Measurements of the B4C layer thickness of an RVC coated foam, and determination of its elemental composition, are performed using scanning electron microscopy. Neutron transmission measurements using neutron radiography are presented and α particle emission from the coated foam in response to a moderated 252Cf thermal neutron source is demonstrated.
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Authors
C.M. Lavelle, Ryan M. Deacon, Daniel S. Hussey, Michael Coplan, Charles W. Clark,