Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
14:19
A Basic Positron Emission Tomography System Constructed to Locate a Radioactive Source in a Bi-dimensional Space
Published on: February 1, 2016
Tutorial: a beginner's guide to fast neutron detection with an EJ-309 detector
Sergey Issinski1, Aref E Vakili1, Ryan Oldford1
1Department of Chemistry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Nature Protocols
|July 13, 2026
Summary
This tutorial simplifies neutron diagnostics for broader scientific access. It details using a single liquid scintillation detector to measure fast neutrons from deuterium-deuterium fusion, overcoming common technical hurdles.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Fusion Research
- Particle Detection
- Scintillation Detectors
Background:
- Neutron diagnostics are crucial for nuclear fusion research.
- Current methods are complex and limited to specialists.
- Accessible neutron detection is needed for wider research participation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive tutorial on fast neutron detection and quantification.
- To demonstrate the use of a single EJ-309 liquid organic scintillation detector.
- To make neutron diagnostics more accessible to diverse scientific communities.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a bespoke benchtop reactor for deuterium-deuterium fusion to generate fast neutrons.
- Employing a single EJ-309 liquid organic scintillation detector.
- Addressing challenges in detector configuration, calibration, characterization, and data processing.
Main Results:
- A detailed methodology for detecting and quantifying fast neutrons is presented.
- The tutorial covers practical aspects of using liquid scintillation detectors in mixed fields.
- Technical challenges in neutron diagnostics are systematically addressed.
Conclusions:
- This work simplifies neutron diagnostics, enabling broader scientific engagement.
- The tutorial empowers researchers to implement neutron detection techniques.
- It facilitates advancements in nuclear fusion research through accessible diagnostics.
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