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When neutrons interact with matter, they either scatter, get absorbed, or induce nuclear reactions. Because scattering is generally the most likely process, it is not easy to detect neutrons, and it is even more challenging to measure their energy with good precision. Most neutron detectors are based on scintillating materials, which emit light when struck by particles. In principle, the amount of light produced by the scintillator is proportional to the energy of the neutron, but the energy resolution of such detectors for neutrons is usually very poor.
We are developing a new type of scintillator detector for neutrons based on scintillating plastic and silicon photomultipliers (SiPM). Using a clever assembly of the scintillating material and SiPM, we expect the detector be sensitive to the position where the neutron has interacted with the material and to its initial energy. This will be achieved by interpreting the output of the SiPM using machine learning algorithms. The goal is to find how the signals differ depending on the interaction position and the nature and energy of the particle. This new technology would have many applications in both research and industry and could lead to patents.
In this master project, you will be involved in the assembly and characterization of the new detector. This includes working with the detector and its signal electronics itself, contributing to the development of an acquisition system for the data from the SiPM, and the application of machine learning for the interpretation of the data. Experiments for the characterization of the detector will be performed at the Oslo Cyclotron Laboratory and a new neutron generator that is being installed at UiO in collaboration with the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE). The project is an interesting mix of working with instrumentation in the laboratory and programming for data acquisition and analysis, including the application of artificial intelligence.