Advanced thermal neutron detectors and associated methods

A method for producing a thermal neutron detector for detecting thermal neutrons, said method comprising:

• providing a housing defining a housing cavity;
• fabricating an ionization detector module having a peripheral outline that is complementary to the housing within the housing cavity, the ionization detector module having a length, a width and a height with the height being less than each of the length and the width, the ionization detector module including a framework to which an active sheet layer is fixedly attached, the framework including an opposing pair of lengthwise side margins extending between another pair of widthwise side margins to define a rectangular shape supporting the active sheet layer to span at least a majority of said length and width;
• supporting a tensioning arrangement to engage at least one of the lengthwise side margins of the framework in cooperation with engaging said housing to apply a tension force to the framework between the lengthwise side margins such that the active sheet layer is under tension across the width of the ionization detector module;
• configuring an electrode arrangement including at least a first electrode and a second electrode within said housing in a spaced apart relationship with said active sheet layer, with the ionization detector module in the installed position, such that each of the first electrode and the second electrode is oppositely proximate to one of a pair of opposing major surfaces of the active sheet layer;
• sealing a readout gas in communication with said active sheet layer and said electrode arrangement within the housing such that, responsive to an electrical bias applied to the electrode arrangement by the electrically conductive arrangement and responsive to incident thermal neutrons, an electrical detection current is generated on the electrode arrangement.