Work Package 4: Innovation of Key Neutronic Technologies: Detectors and Moderators

The key objective of this WP is the technological evolution of neutron detectors in terms of resolution, intensity and dimensions. The WP represents turning novel developments from TRL 3-5 in to TRL 8-9 by technical innovation during this key realisation phase. The task objectives are to develop and enable building improved neutron detectors with extended performance for six instruments, the integration of neutron detectors into the ESS instrument suite, and to improve understanding of moderator physics, developments of engineering solution for novel moderator designs and gain operational experience.

Task 4.1: Neutron Detectors - The Resolution Challenge

The main goal of this task is to realise higher resolution detectors for ESS. Typical state of the art detectors with timing resolution are presently limited in spatial resolution to approximately 1 mm. So far no time resolved detectors are commonly used with a position resolution between 100 micron and 1 mm. As part of this task, the specialised detector integration of ultra spatial resolution (1-100 micron) detectors into ESS will be done.

Task 4.2: Neutron Detectors - The Intensity Frontier

This task aims at realising detectors that can perform with strong rates of neutrons. ESS will be the world's most powerful source for the provision of neutrons. This, in combination with novel designs, which maximise the transportation of neutrons from source to sample, means that the instantaneous flux of neutrons on the detectors will be without precedent. Several detector types need to be adapted to the strong neutron flux proportionated by the ESS source.

Task 4.3: Realising Large Area Detectors

This task focuses in the realisation of large area detectors. Large area detectors have traditionally been built using the isotope Helium-3. However, Helium-3 is no longer available, and therefore developing alternatives are a strategic challenge for Europe. This task aims to relieve a large fraction of the demand for this rare material. It will set-up and develop the production line that will satisfy the demand for detectors for two of the early instruments.

Task 4.4: Detector Realisation

This task has the objective of completing the realisation of novel neutron detectors for ESS instrumentation. As such, this task is synergetic and complementary with tasks 4.1-4.3. For this task the optimisation of detector performance through advanced Monte Carlo simulation will be performed. In addition, task 4.4 will implement the necessary testing of using a source facility of detectors developed and safeguard quality assurance through standardisation of detector performance and standardisation of test stand readout electronics. Lastly, it engages in vital precursor readout work to ensure that the detector technology developments can be incorporated into ESS in an integrated and standardised fashion.

Task 4.5: Moderator Testing and Development Beamline

As the ESS is moving into the construction phase, the Budapest Research Reactor (BRR) is also looking at upgrading its cold source. It has been proposed that BRR will also use the low dimensional moderator design developed at ESS, to improve its performance. It is therefore the objective of this collaboration that both institutes work together on characterising the performance of low dimensional moderators experimentally, develop engineering solutions and gain operational experiences by building moderator test beamlines at both facilities.