Application of new radiation detection techniques at the Paul Scherrer Institut, especially at the spallation neutron source

The demands on modern irradiation detection systems are diverse, encompassing spatial resolution, dynamic range, sensitivity and reproducibility. Nevertheless, there are two important new methods which can satisfy most of these demands in several applications: camera based systems and imaging plates. g plates have primarily been used as γ- and β-sensitive detectors in biology and medicine, but are now available also as neutron sensitive systems. These methods are ideally suited for applications in neutron radiography because of their high sensitivity, linearity and digital output. Image processing, quantification of the image data and automated pattern recognition can easily be performed using modern software tools. The imaging plate system at PSI is shared between groups in reactor physics, radiation protection, biology, proton therapy and nuclear medicine. The collected experience from these different interests establishes the basis for a most effective application of this technique. ilisation of detector systems based on CCD-cameras have other advantages, like low acquisition time, high frame rates, reproducibility as well as high dynamic range. These detectors are applied to investigations of time dependent processes, distribution analyses and quantitative studies. w radiography facility NEUTRA at the spallation source SINQ provides excellent conditions for neutron radiography studies. Some first examples of investigations with imaging plates and the CCD-camera system are given.