Neutron detector having enhanced absorption and bifurcated detection elements

A system, comprising:

• a neutron scintillator comprising a sheet of neutron absorptive material having a thickness greater than 1.0×, wherein X comprises an optimal scintillator thickness;
• a first layer of a plurality of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements in optical proximity to the neutron scintillator on a first side of the neutron scintillator, wherein alternating fibers of the first layer are optically coupled to distinct photo-multiplication devices, wherein each wavelength shifting fiber optic element in the first layer of a plurality of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements are generally adjacent to one another and parallel to one another;
• a second layer of a plurality of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements in optical proximity to the neutron scintillator on a second side of the neutron scintillator, wherein alternating fibers of the second layer are optically coupled to distinct photo-multiplication devices, wherein each wavelength shifting fiber optic element in the second layer of a plurality of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements are generally adjacent to one another and parallel to one another;
• and
• a controller structured to distinguish a neutron radiation event from a gamma radiation event in response to electronic signals from the distinct photo-multiplication devices.

A method, comprising:

• providing a neutron detection platform comprising a neutron scintillator, a first wavelength shifting fiber optic element positioned in optical proximity to the neutron scintillator, a second wavelength shifting fiber optic element positioned in optical proximity to the neutron scintillator and further positioned parallel to and in optical proximity to the first fiber optic element along at least a portion of the neutron scintillator, a first photo-multiplication device that provides a first electronic signal and a second photo-multiplication device that provides a second electronic signal, the first photo-multiplication device optically coupled to the first fiber optic element and the second photo-multiplication device optically coupled to the second fiber optic element;
• interpreting the first electronic signal and the second electronic signal;
• and
• determining that a neutron radiation event has occurred in response to the first electronic signal and the second electronic signal simultaneously exceeding a first threshold amplitude deviation.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a photo detection module structured to interpret a first electronic signal provided by a first photo-multiplication device optically coupled to a first wavelength shifting fiber optic element positioned in optical proximity to a neutron scintillator and to interpret a second electronic signal provided by a second photo-multiplication device optically coupled to a second wavelength shifting fiber optic element positioned in optical proximity to the neutron scintillator and further positioned parallel to and in optical proximity to the first fiber optic element along at least a portion of the neutron scintillator;
• a radiation discrimination module structured to determine that a neutron radiation event has occurred in response to the first electronic signal and the second electronic signal simultaneously exceeding a first threshold amplitude deviation;
• and
• a neutron notification module structured to provide a neutron indication signal to an output device in response to the determining that the neutron radiation event has occurred.

A neutron detection system, comprising:

• a neutron scintillator comprising at least one neutron absorption material;
• a first plurality of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements positioned in optical proximity to an upper portion of the neutron scintillator, wherein adjacent fiber optic elements of said first plurality of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements are optically coupled to distinct photo-multiplication devices;
• a second plurality of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements positioned in optical proximity to a lower portion of the neutron scintillator, wherein adjacent fiber optic elements of said second plurality of wavelength shifting fiber optic elements are optically coupled to distinct photo-multiplication devices;
• and
• means for distinguishing a neutron radiation event from a gamma radiation event.