IMAT Commissioning: Detailed characterization of an intensified thermal neutron camera

In phase 1 of the Photek B4I program to evaluate a new thermal neutron imager, a lower cost and simpler detector based on GADOX phosphor deposited directly onto a standard image intensifier performed as well or better than the neutron MCP devices originally envisioned. Based on these results Photek has moved forward with the design and fabrication of a full scale prototype of a neutron camera using this alternative technology, GADOX directly deposited onto a 75 mm diameter Image Intensifier readout by a cooled sCMOS camera and containing a remote focus mechanism. Using IMAT we will determine the detector’s overall stability, intrinsic imaging resolution, and effective detection efficiency, confirming that the design deficiencies from the initial test detectors have been successfully addressed.