INRAD OPTICS, INC. — Department of Homeland Security SBIR Phase I: The detection of neutrons is a critical capability for homeland security applications. Hel
INRAD OPTICS, INC. — SBIR Phase I award from Department of Homeland Security.
- Amount
- $149,851
- Agency
- Department of Homeland Security
- Program / Phase
- SBIR · Phase I
- NAICS
- —
- Place of performance
- NJ
- Period
- 2011-09-07 → 2012-03-31
Description
The detection of neutrons is a critical capability for homeland security applications. Helium-3- based proportional counters are commonly employed; however, the supply of He-3 is insufficient to meet the demand. A replacement for He-3 detectors should efficiently detect neutrons in a gamma-ray background and be commercially available at prices equivalent to comparable detectors prior to the He-3 shortage. Organic scintillation crystals such as stilbene offer direct fast neutron detection with good neutron-gamma discrimination, yet availability has historically limited their use. Recently, solution crystal growth has been proposed as an alternate route towards the production of organic scintillators. In Phase I, Photonic Products Group, Inc. will develop a capability for production of stilbene crystals for efficient fast neutron detection.