| 摘要 |
<p>An apparatus and method for detecting neutrons, particularly, with directional sensitivity. The apparatus is a detector with a scintillator (10) containing high neutron-capture-cross-section atoms (20) for capturing neutrons and emitting electromagnetic radiation, and an optical detector for detecting the emitted electromagnetic radiation and for generating an electrical signal. The high-neutron-capture-cross-section atoms may be gadolinium, in particular, and the detector may additionally have a moderator for converting fast neutrons into thermal neutrons that are then captured by the high neutron-capture-cross-section atoms. The apparatus and method may also detect high energy photons. The capture of high energy photons may be enhanced by including an additional scintillator (32, 60) or a heavy element backing (34, 64) that produces Auger electrons and concomitant secondary photons that are subsequently detected by one or more scintillators.</p> |
