https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-023-04583-0
Review
Thermal neutron detection by means of Timepix3
1
Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
2
ENEA Frascati Research Center, via E. Fermi 45, 00044, Frascati, Italy
3
INFN Frascati National Laboratory (LNF), via E. Fermi 40, 00044, Frascati, Italy
4
Italian National Institute of Health, viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
a
antonella.tamburrino@uniroma1.it
Received:
28
June
2023
Accepted:
11
October
2023
Published online:
6
November
2023
Thermal neutron detection plays a crucial role in numerous scientific and technical applications such as nuclear reactor physics, particle accelerators, radiotherapy, materials analysis and space exploration. There are several challenges associated with the accurate identification and quantification of thermal neutrons. The present work proposes a detailed characterization of a Timepix3 (TPX3) detector equipped with a Lithium Fluoride (
LiF) converter in order to study its response to thermal neutrons that are identified through the Li(n,
)
H reaction. The TPX3-based test system has been installed at the HOTNES facility in ENEA and the analysis highlighted its excellent performance showing high effectiveness in the identification of neutrons through morphological analysis of tracks produced by alpha and triton particles, after accurate discrimination from the gamma background. With the use of Monte Carlo simulations, it has been demonstrated that the main contribution is due to tritons and its signal can be used effectively in the identification of thermal neutrons obtaining an efficiency of 0.9 % for 25 meV neutrons. This allows the TPX3 to have important applications as an environmental monitor for thermal neutrons. This monitoring system can be simply realized and is easy to manage because of its compact size and its digital acquisition that allows a real-time analysis.
© The Author(s) 2023
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