US 4,931,649 A · Neutron coincidence calorimeter

Abstract

A spectrometer for MEV neutrons relies upon total energy absorption to measure neutron energy. Neutrons are thermalized in a liquid scintillator-moderator providing a first light pulse and are subsequently captured in a Li-6 glass scintillator providing a second light pulse. The light pulses are converted into first and second electronic signals by photomultipliers. A coincidence signal is required from the neutron capture prior to gating electronic circuitry for measuring the amplitude of the first electronic signal. The dual signal from a single neutron provides a mechanism for discrimination against background events arising either from gamma rays or from ambient, low-energy neutrons. The spectrometer is particularly useful in situations in which the neutron source intensity is very low.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A neutron spectrometer comprising:

(a) a scintillator-moderator, said scintillator-moderator producing a first electromagnetic radiation pulse when an incident neutron is slowed down therein to thermal energies,
(b) a Li-6 doped glass plate disposed adjacent or within said scintillator-moderator, the thermal neutrons initiating a second electromagnetic radiation pulse upon reaction with said Li-6,
(c) photodetector means positioned adjacent to said scintillator-moderator and Li-6 doped glass plate for converting said first and second electromagnetic pulses into first and second electronic signals respectively, and
(d) electronic circuit means responsive to said first and second signals for measuring the energy of said incident neutron.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Neutron coincidence calorimeter

Life of this patent

Neutron coincidence calorimeter

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24