A Solid State Neutron Detector

A solid state detector for thermal neutrons is described. The photodiode-scintillator front-end of this detector is integrated with its supporting electronics in a single package. The output signal is presented in analog and digital forms. A third digital output provides a signal that reflects the saturation of the electronics due to pulse pile-up. The persistence of pulse pile-up for periods greater than 1 millisecond may be related to the occurence of a criticality condition. The digital signals are provided on an RS-422 balanced differential line driver with a range, on twisted shielded pairs, of about 2000 feet. This device is stable over a wide range of temperatures.