Progress in alternative neutron detection to address the helium-3 shortage

Richard T. Kouzes, Azaree T. Lintereur, Edward R. Siciliano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Scopus citations

Abstract

One of the main uses for 3He is in gas proportional counters for neutron detection. Such detectors are used at neutron scattering science facilities and in radiation portal monitors deployed for homeland security and non-proliferation applications. Other uses of 3He are for research detectors, commercial instruments, well logging detectors, dilution refrigerators, lung imaging, for targets in nuclear research, and for basic research in condensed matter physics. The supply of 3He comes entirely from the decay of tritium produced for nuclear weapons in the U.S. and Russia. Due to the large increase in use of 3He for science and homeland security (since 2002), the supply could no longer meet the demand. This has led to the development of a number of alternative neutron detection schemes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)172-175
Number of pages4
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Volume784
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2015

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Instrumentation

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