An investigation of neutron detection based on a consumer CMOS camera with a lens cap containing a neutron conversion layer

Conventional neutron detection techniques are often limited by high costs and operational complexity. To develop a convenient and cost-effective solution, a novel neutron detection method based on a consumer CMOS camera with a lens cap containing a layer of neutron scintillator has been proposed. The performance of a consumer CMOS camera has been tested using 137 Cs gamma-rays. Neutron detection experiments have been carried out using a 238 Pu-Be neutron source and the results from four different lens caps—lens cap #1 (Empty), lens cap #2 (Gd 2 O 3 ), lens cap #3 ( 6 LiF/ZnS=1:1) and lens cap #4 ( 6 LiF/ZnS=1:2)—have been analyzed. The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of the proposed approach, while also highlighting the challenges in neutron/gamma signal discrimination. • Proposed a convenient neutron detection approach based on a consumer CMOS camera with a lens cap containing a layer of neutron scintillator. • Tested the performance of the TTQ-J2 CMOS camera using a 137 Cs gamma source and carried out neutron detection experiments using a 238 Pu-Be neutron source. • Demonstrated the technical feasibility of the proposed neutron detection approach and revealed the challenges in neutron/gamma signal discrimination.