Researchers from the Institute of High Energy Physics in China have developed a new plastic scintillator detector that can distinguish between fast neutrons, thermal neutrons, and gamma rays in mixed radiation fields. This technology could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in nuclear power plants and other facilities where accurate radiation detection is crucial.
The study, published in the journal Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, focuses on the development of a triple-discriminating plastic scintillator detector. The researchers set up two plastic scintillator assemblies, EJ200+EJ426 and EJ276+EJ426, and calibrated the system energy response using three gamma sources: 137Cs, 22Na, and 60Co. An Am-Be neutron source was employed to test the detector’s ability to distinguish between different types of radiation.
The researchers used pulse shape discrimination (PSD) to separate fast neutrons, thermal neutrons, and gamma rays. They found that the EJ200+EJ426 configuration could reliably distinguish thermal neutrons from gamma rays using a three-sigma discrimination criterion. The EJ276+EJ426 configuration, on the other hand, could effectively discriminate between fast neutrons, thermal neutrons, and gamma rays at gamma-equivalent energies above 1 MeV.
This new detector technology has practical applications in the energy sector, particularly in nuclear power plants. Accurate detection of different types of radiation is essential for ensuring the safety and efficiency of nuclear reactors. The ability to distinguish between fast neutrons, thermal neutrons, and gamma rays can help plant operators monitor the reactor’s performance and detect any potential issues early on.
In addition to nuclear power plants, this technology could also be useful in other energy-related applications, such as radiation monitoring in oil and gas exploration, and nuclear waste management. The ability to accurately detect and distinguish between different types of radiation can help ensure the safety of workers and the surrounding environment.
Overall, this study represents a significant advancement in radiation detection technology, with important implications for the energy sector. The researchers’ findings could help improve the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants and other energy-related facilities, while also contributing to the broader field of radiation detection and measurement.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.