Development of Position Sensitive Helium-3 Proportional Counter for Thermal Neutrons with Novel Signal Readout

Abstract

A position sensitive ³He proportional counter for thermal neutrons with a novel signal read- out method which has two pre-amplifiers at only one end of the counter body has been developed. It has an advantage for usage in a special environment, such as in a subcritical facility or in water, or for insertion into a narrow space. The characteristics of the counter were evaluated with thermal neutrons. The position resolution was 7 mm with an effective length of 1,200 mm. The integral non-linearity of position signal was less than 0.5%.

KEYWORDS:

• position sensitive proportional counter
• charge division
• tritium
• grounding capacitor
• position signal readout
• counting techniques
• coaxial structure
• resistive anode wire
• thermal neutrons
• position resolution