Neutron detector development for microsatellites

  • Julia G. Bodnarik
  • , Dave K. Hamara
  • , Vladimir Buliga
  • , Joanna C. Egner
  • , Michael Groza
  • , Walter M. Harris
  • , Liviu Matei
  • , Keivan G. Stassun
  • , Ashley C. Stowe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We present a preliminary design for a novel neutron detection system that is compact, lightweight, and low power consuming, utilizing the CubeSat platform making it suitable for space-based applications. This is made possible using the scintillating crystal lithium indium diselenide (6LiInSe2), the first crystal to include 6Li in the crystalline structure, and a silicon avalanche photodiode (Si-APD). The schematics of this instrument are presented as well as the response of the instrument to initial testing under alpha, gamma and neutron radiation. A principal aim of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of such a neutron detection system within a CubeSat platform. The entire end-To-end system presented here is 10 cm x 10 cm x 15 cm, weighs 670 grams and requires 5 V direct current at 3 Watts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationHard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XIX
EditorsRalph B. James, Michael Fiederle, Arnold Burger, Stephen A. Payne, Larry Franks
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510612419
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
EventHard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XIX 2017 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Aug 7 2017Aug 9 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume10392
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceHard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XIX 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period8/7/178/9/17

Keywords

  • 6LiInSe2
  • CubeSat
  • Neutron detection instrument
  • Radiation
  • Scintillator
  • Si-APD

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Instrumentation
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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