Monte Carlo simulation study of a novel neutron resonance radiography method for oxygen identification in oxides and composite materials

Abstract A novel imaging mode of neutron resonance radiography for the identification and mapping of oxygen element is firstly proposed based on the Back-n beamline at CSNS. The method utilizes a 10 B-enriched conversion layer that converts transmitted neutrons to gamma rays. The emitted characteristic 478-keV prompt gamma rays are then collimated by a pinhole device and imaged. The energy-selective operation of transmitted neutrons via time-of-flight (TOF) measurement is performed by detecting 478-keV prompt gamma rays as a function of neutron TOF. This work shows the viability of the proposed imaging method for oxygen identification by Monte Carlo simulation.