Preliminary performance test of tubular neutron detector based on SiPM signal readout

Due to the shortage and the rapidly increasing price of the 3 He gas, seeking new types of position-sensitive neutron detectors is urgent. In order to fulfill the requirements of Chinese neutron spectrometers for neutron detectors, the research on neutron detector based on (LiF)-Li-6 / ZnS (Ag) scintillator and wavelength-shifting fiber (WLSF) structure neutron detectors was developed. It has the advantages of high neutron detection efficiency, good position resolution and the ability to splicing large areas. This paper proposed a tubular neutron detector structure. It consists of two layers of rolled (LiF)-Li-6/ZnS(Ag) scintillators sandwich with two wavelength-shifting fibers, and two SiPMs (Silicon photomultipliers) for the photons readout. By MC simulation, we obtained the thermal neutron conversion efficiency of (LiF)-Li-6/ZnS(Ag) scintillation screens with different thicknesses and rolled diameters, and optimized the detector structure. The characteristics of the key components are studied. A small detector prototype has been constructed. and been tested by the neutron beam. The preliminary test results showed that the detector can work well.