A ZnO(Ga) Alpha Particle Detector for a Portable Neutron Generator for the Nuclear Materials Identification System (NMIS)

Year
2002
Author(s)
John K. Mattingly - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J.T. Mihalczo - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
John S. Neal - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
David Koltick - Purdue University Physics Department and Applied Physics Laboratory
David Holcomb - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Abstract
We report investigations and preliminary results from efforts to develop a recoil alpha particle detector for use in a portable neutron generator. The associated particle sealed tube neutron generator (APSTNG) will be used as an interrogation source for the Nuclear Materials Identification System (NMIS). With the emission of 14.1 MeV neutrons produced by the D-T reaction, associated 3.5 MeV alpha particles are emitted. These neutrons and alphas may then be correlated in time and direction, thus effectively “tagging” the neutrons of interest for subsequent use as an active nuclear materials interrogation source. The alpha particle detector uses a ZnO(Ga) scintillator coating applied to a fiber optic face plate. Gallium-doped zinc oxide is a fast (1.5 ns decay time), inorganic scintillator with a high melting point (1975C) and an absolute light yield of 1.5% of NaI(Tl). The scintillator is coated with a thin layer of nickel in order to screen out light produced in the tube and scattered deuterons and tritons. This coating also serves to prevent the buildup of charge on the detector surface. Results to date indicate promise as an effective alpha particle detector for the APSTNG for future use in the NMIS.