About this Research Topic
James Chadwick’s discovery of the neutron in 1932 opened a new era in physics. Today, neutron detection is widely used in fundamental physics (especially in the measurement of nuclear cross-sections and in the study of dark matter and exotic nuclei) and in the instrumentation of neutron beams and space missions. The sudden unavailability of 3He, the main converter of thermal neutrons due to its high neutron capture cross-section, triggered a rapid development towards alternative materials, detection geometries and technologies, and more effective reconstruction tools. Beyond fundamental science, neutron detectors are used in fission reactors to map the spatial distribution of neutron flux and in fusion facilities to measure fusion power; in the studies and characterization of special materials through neutron scattering, diffractometry, radiography, and tomography; in arm control, transuranic waste characterization, material safeguards, and facility decontamination and decommissioning. Moreover, neutron dosimetry is a particular key area of study for radioprotection, safety, and for radiotherapy treatment plans.
The strong advancements achieved in neutron detector technologies since the necessity of overcoming the unavailability of 3He gave origin to a very large amount of publications that are scattered throughout a very wide range of specialty journals, most of them dedicated to specific aspects of more complex detection systems. Even though there are records of scientific meetings and workshops dedicated to these technologies, including their transfer to industry, a complete collection of recent up-to-date information of such a broad field on a single publication does not exist. The goal of this Research Topic is to gather some of the most recent advancements in neutron detector development carried out by the world’s most active research groups in this topic. This unique collection is intended to become an important reference covering as much as possible of the current state-of-the-art information about neutron detection and characterization, giving the community a fundamental base for its future research and development.
Frontiers in Detector Science and Technology is preparing a Research Topic devoted to Advancements and Applications in Neutron Detection and Spectrometry. A selected number of world-wide renowned research groups that work in this topic are invited to submit manuscripts describing performance of state-of-the-art neutron detectors and experimental setups dedicated either to fundamental studies, such as (but not limited to) nuclear spectroscopy techniques, in-beam gamma spectroscopy of exotic nuclei, cross-section measurements for astrophysical purposes, fusion-fission studies or to modern applications in the field of neutron diagnostics methods used for industrial purposes, medical treatments, environment or border monitoring (radioprotection, safety, homeland security) and space applications. Developments in reconstruction algorithms, signal processing tools and data analysis techniques correlated with neutron detection are also in the scope of this special issue.
The strong advancements achieved in neutron detector technologies since the necessity of overcoming the unavailability of 3He gave origin to a very large amount of publications that are scattered throughout a very wide range of specialty journals, most of them dedicated to specific aspects of more complex detection systems. Even though there are records of scientific meetings and workshops dedicated to these technologies, including their transfer to industry, a complete collection of recent up-to-date information of such a broad field on a single publication does not exist. The goal of this Research Topic is to gather some of the most recent advancements in neutron detector development carried out by the world’s most active research groups in this topic. This unique collection is intended to become an important reference covering as much as possible of the current state-of-the-art information about neutron detection and characterization, giving the community a fundamental base for its future research and development.
Frontiers in Detector Science and Technology is preparing a Research Topic devoted to Advancements and Applications in Neutron Detection and Spectrometry. A selected number of world-wide renowned research groups that work in this topic are invited to submit manuscripts describing performance of state-of-the-art neutron detectors and experimental setups dedicated either to fundamental studies, such as (but not limited to) nuclear spectroscopy techniques, in-beam gamma spectroscopy of exotic nuclei, cross-section measurements for astrophysical purposes, fusion-fission studies or to modern applications in the field of neutron diagnostics methods used for industrial purposes, medical treatments, environment or border monitoring (radioprotection, safety, homeland security) and space applications. Developments in reconstruction algorithms, signal processing tools and data analysis techniques correlated with neutron detection are also in the scope of this special issue.
Keywords: neutron cross section, safety application, material characterization, neutron activation, neutron dosimetry
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
