Neutron Detection Materials, Detector Properties, and Selection

This chapter focuses on the properties of thermal neutron detectors at neutron scattering facilities. It begins with a discussion of materials selection for neutron detection and describes in detail the relevant properties of the three isotopes most often used (helium-3, boron-10, and lithium-6). This is followed by a discussion of the key detector defining properties that should be considered when selecting the appropriate detector for a given application or instrument. These include neutron and gamma ray detection efficiency, spatial and timing resolution, and count rate related performance. Finally, the variety of neutron scattering beam lines are discussed, and a rationale is provided for detector selection at those instruments at the High Flux Isotope Reactor and the Spallation Neutron Source.