Abstract: A system and method for a heterogeneous capture-gated neutron detector are disclosed. The system includes an inorganic hydrogenous scintillating layer configured to emit at least one collision photon when contacted with a neutron having an energy greater than a predetermined value. A neutron capture layer is located adjacent the inorganic or organic hydrogenous scintillating layer and configured to capture the neutron and emit at least one gamma ray. The inorganic or organic hydrogenous scintillating layer is further configured to emit at least one capture photon in response to the at least one gamma ray from the neutron capture layer. Detection of the collision photon and capture photon designate a detected and captured neutron.

Abstract: A system and method for a heterogeneous capture-gated neutron detector are disclosed. The system includes an organic hydrogenous scintillating layer configured to emit at least one collision photon when contacted with a neutron having an energy greater than a predetermined value. A neutron capture layer is located adjacent the organic scintillating layer and configured to capture the neutron and emit at least one gamma ray. The organic scintillating layer is further configured to emit at least one capture photon in response to the at least one gamma ray from the neutron capture layer. Detection of the collision photon and capture photon designate a detected and captured neutron.

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.