In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Texas Tech University have pushed the boundaries of neutron detection technology, paving the way for enhanced safety and efficiency in nuclear energy and beyond. Led by Dr. J. Li of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the team has successfully created ultrawide bandgap (UWBG) semiconductor detectors using hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), capable of detecting both thermal and fast neutrons with unprecedented efficiency.
Neutron detectors are crucial for monitoring nuclear reactors, ensuring safety in nuclear power plants, and advancing research in plasma and material sciences. However, detecting fast neutrons—those with energies above 1 MeV—has been a significant challenge due to their low interaction cross section with matter. Dr. Li’s team has overcome this hurdle by developing freestanding h-BN wafers that are just 0.4 millimeters thick but 4 inches in diameter. These detectors have demonstrated a detection efficiency of 2.2% for fast neutrons emitted by a bare AmBe neutron source.
The implications of this breakthrough are vast. “The ability to detect both thermal and fast neutrons with high efficiencies opens up new possibilities for applications that were previously unattainable,” Dr. Li explained. This includes not only enhanced safety monitoring in nuclear reactors but also improved oil field exploration, neutron imaging, and therapy. The detectors’ ability to operate under extreme conditions of high power, voltage, and temperature makes them particularly valuable for harsh environments.
The research, published in the journal “APL Materials”, highlights the unique properties of h-BN, particularly its ultrawide bandgap, which allows it to function effectively in conditions where traditional detectors would fail. This innovation could revolutionize the energy sector by providing more reliable and efficient monitoring tools, ultimately leading to safer and more efficient nuclear power generation.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the demand for advanced detection technologies will only grow. Dr. Li’s work on h-BN detectors represents a significant leap forward, offering a glimpse into a future where neutron detection is more precise, more efficient, and more versatile than ever before. The potential for this technology to shape the future of energy, from nuclear power to oil exploration, is immense, and the journey has only just begun.
