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Scintillator-based Timepix3 detector for neutron spin-echo techniques using intensity modulation
Fumiaki Funama1, Su-Ann Chong1, Matthew Loyd1
1Neutron Technologies Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|March 19, 2024
Summary
A new Timepix3 detector using scintillators was developed for neutron spin-echo experiments. It successfully resolves high-frequency modulations in spatial and temporal domains for advanced neutron scattering techniques.
Area of Science:
- Neutron scattering instrumentation
- Detector physics
- Materials science
Background:
- Neutron spin-echo (NSE) experiments require high-frequency resolution in spatial and temporal domains.
- Existing detectors face limitations in resolving these modulations for techniques like SEMSANS and MIEZE.
- Development of advanced detectors is crucial for pushing the boundaries of neutron scattering research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a scintillator-based Timepix3 (TPX3) detector for high-frequency neutron beam modulation.
- To evaluate the performance of 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) and 6LiI:Eu scintillators for specific neutron scattering applications.
- To confirm the detector's suitability for spin-echo modulated small-angle neutron scattering (SEMSANS) and modulation of intensity with zero effort (MIEZE) techniques.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a scintillator coupled with an image intensifier and a Timepix3 (TPX3) chip for neutron detection.
- Investigated two scintillators: 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) and 6LiI:Eu.
- Performed event-mode analysis and optimized clustering parameters for accurate data acquisition.
- Characterized detector performance including efficiency, spatial resolution, count rate, uniformity, and gamma-ray sensitivity.
Main Results:
- The 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) scintillator detector achieved 200 μm spatial resolution and 1.1 × 10^5 cps count rate.
- The 6LiI:Eu scintillator detector demonstrated 250 μm spatial resolution and >2.9 × 10^5 cps count rate.
- Successfully observed high-frequency intensity modulations in both spatial and temporal domains.
Conclusions:
- The developed scintillator-based TPX3 detector meets the requirements for high-frequency modulation resolution in neutron spin-echo experiments.
- Both investigated scintillators show promise for specific applications, with 6LiI:Eu offering a higher count rate.
- The detector is confirmed to be suitable for advanced neutron scattering techniques like SEMSANS and MIEZE.
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