Simultaneous measurement of energy spectrum and fluence of neutrons using a diamond detector

Due to the excellent radiation hardness and high–temperature endurance, diamond detectors are suitable for intense neutron measurements and promising for neutron diagnostics of scientific fusion devices. In the present work, simultaneous measurement of energy spectrum and fluence of neutrons using a diamond detector was realized for the first time. The absolute response matrix of the diamond detector was simulated based on detailed analysis of the nuclear reactions and the proper selection of nuclear reaction data. Neutron energy spectra as well as neutron fluences for 5.0, 5.5, 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 MeV neutrons from d–d reaction were measured using the diamond detector based on the absolute response matrix. The measured neutron energy spectra and neutron fluences are reasonable compared with those detected using a EJ-309 liquid scintillator and a (238)U fission chamber, respectively, which verifies the reliability of the present work. Furthermore, the energy spectrum and fluence of a 14.2 MeV d–t neutron source were also measured using the diamond detector. The present work demonstrates the ability of simultaneous measurement of energy spectrum and fluence as well as for both d–d and d–t neutrons using a diamond detector, which is of great significance for neutron diagnostics of scientific fusion devices.