Rugged, compact diamond-based fast neutron detector operating at up to 200°c

Recent improvements in the production of artificial single crystal diamonds have made it possible to produce commercial radiation detectors. However, the availability of diamond detectors for high temperature and high shock environments is limited. For this reason, a compact solid state diamond detector was developed for applications which require compact size, stable performance and extreme ruggedness. It is used as a fast neutron detector for monitoring the output of a pulsed neutron generator in oil well logging tools. The detector package, consisting of the diamond sensor and the electronics assembly, has been qualified for operation in the harsh downhole environment of oil fields. This includes high temperature and repeated shocks and vibration. However, this detector has applications beyond well logging, wherever there is a need for a compact, reliable detector for fast neutrons in an environment where ruggedness, exposure to high temperature, compactness and radiation hardness are essential.