Radiation Physics and Engineering
A peer-reviewed journal published by K. N. Toosi University of Technology

Investigation of neutron detection using the Digital Video Disc (DVD) and converter layers

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Hossien Askarpoor kabir
Mohammad Reza Rezaie

Department of Nuclear Engineering, Faculty of Modern Sciences and Technologies, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22034/rpe.2025.467267.1205
Abstract
The neutron source at the Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman employs an Americium-Beryllium (Am-Be) source with an activity of 5 Ci. This study aimed to calculate neutron tracks from this source using experimental and simulation approaches. The PTRAC command of the MCNPX code was utilized to determine the neutron spectrum incident on the Digital Video Disc (DVD) converter layer. Advances in neutron detection methods have introduced significant innovations, including the use of converter layers combined with DVD layer as nuclear track detector. In this technique, a boron oxide layer with a thickness of 0.1 millimeters was put on the DVD surface to convert neutrons into alpha particles, allowing for nuclear track recording. Empirical results demonstrated that the number of tracks depended on the boron concentration in the converter layer. The angular spectrum of the DVD converter layer indicates that the highest particle collision angle occurred near 60°. Simulation result confirmed the feasibility of this method for neutron detection.

Highlights

  • Calculate the neutron tracks in DVD using practical and simulation methods.
  • Using of a converter layer on DVD to convert neutrons to alpha particles.
  • Determination of the neutron spectrum reached to the DVD layer.
  • Calculation of the number of tracks as a function of the boron concentration in converter layer.

Keywords

DVD
Am-Be neutron source
Boron
MCNPX code
Detection
Alpha Track
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Radiation Physics and Engineering
Volume 6, Issue 3
Spring 2025
Pages 41-48

  • Receive Date 10 July 2024
  • Revise Date 05 January 2025
  • Accept Date 01 February 2025

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