Neutron Detector Efficiency Calculation

This tool calculates the detection efficiency ($\epsilon$) of various gas-filled and solid-state neutron detectors using their linear attenuation coefficients.

Select Detector Material

Detector Thickness ($t$)

Results

Detector Efficiency ($\epsilon$): 0

Linear Attenuation Coeff. ($N\sigma$): 0 $cm^{-1}$

Underlying Principles

The detection efficiency of a neutron detector is a measure of its ability to absorb incident neutrons and produce a detectable signal. This is fundamentally governed by the detector's material and thickness, following an exponential relationship similar to radiation attenuation.

$$\epsilon = 1 - e^{-N\sigma t} = 1 - e^{-\Sigma t}$$

Where $N$ is the number density of the absorber, $\sigma$ is the microscopic cross-section, and $t$ is the detector thickness. The product $N\sigma$ is the linear attenuation coefficient ($\Sigma$), which is specific to the detector material.

Linear Attenuation Coefficients ($N\sigma$) for Neutron Detectors

This table provides the pre-calculated linear attenuation coefficients for common neutron detector materials, based on thermal neutrons.

Detector Material	Linear Attenuation Coeff. ($\Sigma$, $cm^{-1}$)	Note
$^{3}$He Gas	0.1439
$^{10}$BF$_{3}$ Gas	0.0257	at 0.18nm STP
$^{10}$B$_{4}$C	84.37
$^6$LiF	57.51

Detector Material	Linear Attenuation Coeff. (\(\Sigma\), \(cm^{-1}\))	Note
\(^{3}\)He Gas	0.1439
\(^{10}\)BF\(_{3}\) Gas	0.0257	at 0.18nm STP
\(^{10}\)B\(_{4}\)C	84.37
\(^6\)LiF	57.51

Neutron Detector Efficiency Calculation

Results

Underlying Principles

Linear Attenuation Coefficients (\(N\sigma\)) for Neutron Detectors