Low-cost pseudo-segmented neutron detectors using boron-loaded opaque scintillator

Abstract Liquid scintillator detectors typically aim for high light collection by optimising their medium transparency to maximise photon collection by a single, large area, photo-sensor. Opaque scintillators, recently proposed as a radical alternative to this approach, instead focus on confining light as close as possible to its point of production by adopting scintillator mixtures with enhanced re-scattering probabilities. The use of fine arrays of optical fibres to read out scintillation light produced in this medium permits the imaging of particle interactions with extremely high resolution in a monolothic detector volume. We propose to expand on the opaque scintillator technique by producing an opaque detection medium from a neutron sensitive zinc-sulphide scintillator mixture doped with hexagonal boron nitride platelets. In this approach, we exploit the high light yield of zinc sulphide and the combined high neutron capture cross-section and reflective properties of boron nitride to demonstrate the potential for large volume neutron detection fabrication. This offers the potential for a low cost imaging neutron detector with position sensing and directional capabilities. In this paper, we discuss the progress achieved towards realising this novel neutron detector and potential for future development.