Cryogenic detection of neutrons using superheated superconducting tin granules

We report indirect detection in the low-temperature environment of neutrons moderated after emitted from the radioactive isotope of 252Cf, using a collection of superheated superconducting granules (SSGs) of tin. Either a triton or an alpha particle produced through the interaction of a neutron with 6Li changes an SSG into normal state. Each transition in the collection is clearly shown to be counted. This method indicates a possibility of highly efficient detection of ultra-cold neutrons, because their conventional detectors work well only at room temperature.