Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in highly sensitive and efficient neutron detection, that includes using trigger reactions to initiate far-ultraviolet (FUV) optical emissions. In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for the detection of slow neutrons includes absorption of a slow neutron with a high neutron capture-cross-section nucleus, decay of the compound nucleus into energetic particles, creation of excimers from the energetic particles reacting with a background gas to form excimers, radiative decay of excimers resulting in emission of FUV radiation, and detection of the FUV radiation using an optical detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in highly sensitive and efficient neutron detection, that includes using trigger reactions to initiate far-ultraviolet (FUV) optical emissions. In some embodiments of the present invention, a method for the detection of slow neutrons includes absorption of a slow neutron with a high neutron capture-cross-section nucleus, decay of the compound nucleus into energetic particles, creation of excimers from the energetic particles reacting with a background gas to form excimers, radiative decay of excimers resulting in emission of FUV radiation, and detection of the FUV radiation using an optical detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting slow neutrons by monitoring Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) nuclear reaction induced by neutrons incident on a gas cell containing 3He or a mixture of 3He and other atoms and/or molecules. Such a method and/or apparatus includes the use of, for example, liquid 3He and 4He mixtures as a scintillation counter for the sensitive detection of neutrons using Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) reaction. The radiation can be detected with high efficiency with an appropriate photo-detector, or alternatively, it can be converted to radiation at longer wavelength by absorption in scintillation materials, with the radiation channeled to a photodetector. Because of the simplicity of the system and the fact that the radiation production mechanisms can be measured and/or calculated independently, the method and/or apparatus also has the potential for service as a calculable absolute detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting slow neutrons by monitoring Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) nuclear reaction induced by neutrons incident on a gas cell containing 3He or a mixture of 3He and other atoms and/or molecules. Such a method and/or apparatus includes the use of, for example, liquid 3He and 4He mixtures as a scintillation counter for the sensitive detection of neutrons using Lyman alpha radiation produced by the 3He(n,tp) reaction. The radiation can be detected with high efficiency with an appropriate photo-detector, or alternatively, it can be converted to radiation at longer wavelength by absorption in scintillation materials, with the radiation channeled to a photodetector. Because of the simplicity of the system and the fact that the radiation production mechanisms can be measured and/or calculated independently, the method and/or apparatus also has the potential for service as a calculable absolute detector.