Abstract: Described is a system and method for detecting contaminants using a flexible Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) substrate. The contaminant is collected on a flexible SERS substrate and directly interrogated with a Raman Spectrometer to obtaining a SERS emission spectrum for the contaminant. The obtained spectrum can be compared to a library of SERS signatures to identify the contaminant.

Abstract: A detector for fast neutrons has been developed which includes 1) selected open structure of solid hydrogen-containing material which converts impinging neutrons into recoil protons; 2) a surrounding gas which interacts with the protons to release electrons; 3) an electric field able to drift the electrons through and away from the open-structure material; and 4) an electron detector which monitors the drifted electrons thereby sensing the original impinging neutrons. This type of detector is advantageous for many applications, including efficient fast neutron detection; large area imaging of fast neutrons for fast neutron radiography; or fast neutron beam profiling.