Optimizing the spatial resolution and gamma discrimination of SiPM-based Anger cameras

M. Loyd; V. Sedov; J. Beal; T. Visscher; C. Donahue; A. Khaplanov; Y. Diawara

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2024.169830

Optimizing the spatial resolution and gamma discrimination of SiPM-based Anger cameras

M. Loyd, V. Sedov, J. Beal, T. Visscher, C. Donahue, A. Khaplanov, Y. Diawara

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

SiPM Anger cameras have been designed for use as 2-dimensional thermal neutron detectors for scientific applications such as at single crystal diffraction instruments. These cameras utilize a neutron sensitive scintillator and an array of SiPM photosensors, separated by a light spreading glass. While this optics package is very effective at detecting and positioning neutrons, it is also sensitive to gamma rays, which are a source of unwanted noise. In this work, we underwent a search of scintillator and spreader glass thicknesses to determine the optimal combination for maximizing spatial resolution. Both experimental results and GEANT4 simulations are presented. To address the issue of gamma ray detection, we have also designed and presented a multi-layer scintillator that reduces the amount of scintillation light produced via gamma-ray energy deposition, allowing for easier pulse-height discrimination. A sample of this geometry has been produced that results in a factor of 2 improvement over an equivalent thickness monolithic scintillator.

Original language	English
Article number	169830
Journal	Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Volume	1069
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.169830
State	Published - Dec 2024

Funding

This research used resources at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) and the Second Target Station (STS) Project. SNS and HFIR are DOE Office of Science User Facilities operated by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The authors would like to thank Polad Shikhaliev for providing feedback on the manuscript. Notice: This manuscript has been authored by UT-Battelle, LLC, under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725 with the US Department of Energy (DOE). The US government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the US government retains a nonexclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, worldwide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this manuscript, or allow others to do so, for US government purposes. DOE will provide public access to these results of federally sponsored research in accordance with the DOE Public Access Plan

Keywords

Gamma discrimination
Neutron detection
Scintillator
SiPM

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10.1016/j.nima.2024.169830

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Loyd, M., Sedov, V., Beal, J., Visscher, T., Donahue, C., Khaplanov, A., & Diawara, Y. (2024). Optimizing the spatial resolution and gamma discrimination of SiPM-based Anger cameras. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 1069, Article 169830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.169830

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abstract = "SiPM Anger cameras have been designed for use as 2-dimensional thermal neutron detectors for scientific applications such as at single crystal diffraction instruments. These cameras utilize a neutron sensitive scintillator and an array of SiPM photosensors, separated by a light spreading glass. While this optics package is very effective at detecting and positioning neutrons, it is also sensitive to gamma rays, which are a source of unwanted noise. In this work, we underwent a search of scintillator and spreader glass thicknesses to determine the optimal combination for maximizing spatial resolution. Both experimental results and GEANT4 simulations are presented. To address the issue of gamma ray detection, we have also designed and presented a multi-layer scintillator that reduces the amount of scintillation light produced via gamma-ray energy deposition, allowing for easier pulse-height discrimination. A sample of this geometry has been produced that results in a factor of 2 improvement over an equivalent thickness monolithic scintillator.",

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AU - Loyd, M.

AU - Sedov, V.

AU - Beal, J.

AU - Visscher, T.

AU - Donahue, C.

AU - Khaplanov, A.

AU - Diawara, Y.

PY - 2024/12

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N2 - SiPM Anger cameras have been designed for use as 2-dimensional thermal neutron detectors for scientific applications such as at single crystal diffraction instruments. These cameras utilize a neutron sensitive scintillator and an array of SiPM photosensors, separated by a light spreading glass. While this optics package is very effective at detecting and positioning neutrons, it is also sensitive to gamma rays, which are a source of unwanted noise. In this work, we underwent a search of scintillator and spreader glass thicknesses to determine the optimal combination for maximizing spatial resolution. Both experimental results and GEANT4 simulations are presented. To address the issue of gamma ray detection, we have also designed and presented a multi-layer scintillator that reduces the amount of scintillation light produced via gamma-ray energy deposition, allowing for easier pulse-height discrimination. A sample of this geometry has been produced that results in a factor of 2 improvement over an equivalent thickness monolithic scintillator.

AB - SiPM Anger cameras have been designed for use as 2-dimensional thermal neutron detectors for scientific applications such as at single crystal diffraction instruments. These cameras utilize a neutron sensitive scintillator and an array of SiPM photosensors, separated by a light spreading glass. While this optics package is very effective at detecting and positioning neutrons, it is also sensitive to gamma rays, which are a source of unwanted noise. In this work, we underwent a search of scintillator and spreader glass thicknesses to determine the optimal combination for maximizing spatial resolution. Both experimental results and GEANT4 simulations are presented. To address the issue of gamma ray detection, we have also designed and presented a multi-layer scintillator that reduces the amount of scintillation light produced via gamma-ray energy deposition, allowing for easier pulse-height discrimination. A sample of this geometry has been produced that results in a factor of 2 improvement over an equivalent thickness monolithic scintillator.

KW - Gamma discrimination

KW - Neutron detection

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Optimizing the spatial resolution and gamma discrimination of SiPM-based Anger cameras

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