Conceptual design and optimization of a plastic scintillator array for 2D tomography using a compact D-D fast neutron...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Instrumentation
• Imaging Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Fast neutron tomography offers non-destructive imaging capabilities.
• Optimizing system design is crucial for achieving high resolution and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To perform a conceptual design optimization of a fast neutron tomography system.
• To enhance reconstructed image resolution and detector efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a deterministic geometry-based model and Monte Carlo simulations.
• Optimized detector array geometry and scintillator depth for neutron detection.

Main Results:

• Achieved an expected reconstructed image resolution of approximately 1.5mm with 100 detectors.
• Optimized scintillator depth (6-8 cm) for a direct-to-scattered neutron ratio.
• Expected detection efficiency of 33-37%.

Conclusions:

• The optimized design, utilizing a compact neutron generator and specialized detectors, promises high-resolution tomographic imaging.
• The system is expected to yield tomograms within hours, based on prototype capabilities.