The new detector is suitable for sectors like nuclear medicine and security, industrial analysis and space exploration.Current semiconductor-based (as e.g. silicon) radiation detectors have certain advantages over their competitors (short delay, insensitivity to electromagnetic fields; compactness, robustness, and low energy use). However, for neutron detection other techniques must be used, relying on substances such as Helium-3 and Lithium-6, which are hard and expensive to get.
The hybrid, silicon-based neutron detector developed by CSIC scientists combines the advantageous features of semiconductor detectors, including portability, with a technique to fabricate conversor liquids both simple and low-cost and attains a high efficiency in neutron detection; higher than that of standard silicon detectors (more than 50%).
To reach higher detector efficiencies, the conversor liquid fills the trenches carved in the silicon substrate. This increases the contact surface between conversor and detector.
The fabrication of this detector employs MEMS semiconductor detector technology, microfluid techniques as well as synthesis procedures for liquid conversor for neutrons. By using well-established technology of mass-production of silicon devices, detectors can be manufactured at low cost.
Contact:
Isabel Gavilanes-Pérez, PhD
Institutional Coordination of CSIC
in Catalonia
Deputy Vice-Presidency for Knowledge Transfer, CSIC
Tel.: + 34 93 594 77 00