Wireless neutron and gamma ray detector modules for dosimetry and remote monitoring

Compact neutron detectors are being designed and tested for use as wireless low-power real-time personnel dosimeters and for remote neutron sensing. The neutron detectors are pin diodes that are mass produced from high-purity Si wafers. Each detector has thousands of perforations etched vertically into the device. The perforations are backfilled with ⁶LiF to make the pin diodes sensitive to thermal neutrons. The first prototype devices delivered over 3.8% thermal-neutron detection efficiency while operating at 15 volts. Recent high-efficiency perforated devices have delivered over 20% thermal-neutron detection efficiency. Compact packages with wireless communication capability have been constructed and are under test. The compact packages record counts every second and transmit ten data points every ten seconds. The platforms have been designed to incorporate an additional fast neutron detector and a Frisch- collar CdZnTe gamma-ray spectrometer. The overall goal is to manufacture a compact package capable of remote and wireless neutron dosimetry and gamma ray spectroscopy/dosimetry.