High spatial resolution neutron sensing microchannel plate detectors

Neutron sensing microchannel plates (MCPs) developed by Nova Scientific Inc. incorporate high-efficiency neutron conversion materials in the MCP glass to provide a high neutron stopping power. We have developed and tested neutron event counting 2D-imaging detectors using these MCPs with three different imaging systems, a cross delay line readout, a cross strip readout, and a MEDIPIX readout. Tests at MNRC and NIST with the cross delay line and cross strip readouts have established spatial resolution with neutrons as good as 17 μm RMS over 27 mm, with event rates of 1 MHz, event time tagging of 25 ns and intrinsic background rates of <0.05 events cm−2 s−1. MEDIPIX readouts for neutron imaging have poorer spatial resolution (55 μm) and event timing, but are capable of even higher rates (GHz).