Neutron detection using GD-loaded oxide and nitride heterojunction diodes

摘要

Solid state neutron detection utilizing gadolinium as a neutron absorber is described. The new class of narrow-gap neutron-absorbing semiconducting materials, including Gd-doped HfO2, Gd-doped EuO, Gd-doped GaN, Gd2O3 and GdN are included in three types of device structures: (1) a p-n heterostructure diode with a ˜30 μm Gd-loaded semiconductor grown on a conventional semiconductor (Si or B-doped Si); (2) a p-n junction or a p-i-n trilayer diode with a Gd-loaded semiconductoron one side and single-crystal semiconducting Li2B4O7 layer on the other side of the heterojunction; and (3) a p-n junction or a p-i-n trilayer diode with a Gd-loaded semiconductoron on one side and a boron nitride (BN) semiconductor layer on the other side of the heterojunction.

主权项

1. A solid state neutron detector comprising a layer of a p-type semiconductor, an insulator and an n-type semiconductor, wherein at least one of said p or n-type layers comprises Gd in an amount of 3-30 atomic percent.