Fast neutron spectrometer based on a diamond sensor detector

Abstract

The paper presents the experimental assessment for the characteristics of a fast neutron spectrometer based on a diamond sensor detector. The presented characteristics include the energy range of detected neutrons, energy resolution, the effect of associated radiation (γ-quants and scattered neutrons) on the measurement results, as well as the range of the measured neutron flux density. Some effects typical to diamond-based detectors, e.g., the effect of polarization on the measurement results, are considered. The possibility of performing spectrometry of neutrons with an energy of 14 MeV at a resolution of less than 1% is demonstrated, including the influence of electronics, as well as the absence of a polarization effect on the detector operation during measurement at points where the fast neutron flux density is up to 10⁷ s⁻¹ ∙ cm⁻².