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European Spallation Source (ESS) will deliver neutrons at high flux for use in diverse neutron scattering techniques. The neutron source facility and the scientific instruments will be located in Lund, and the Data Management and Software Centre (DMSC), in Copenhagen. A number of detector prototypes are being developed at ESS together with its European in-kind partners, for example: SoNDe, Multi-Grid, Multi-Blade and Gd-GEM. These are all position sensitive detectors but use different techniques for the detection of neutrons. Except for digitization of electronics readout, all neutron data is anticipated to be processed in software. This provides maximum flexibility and adaptability and allows deep inspection of the raw data for commissioning which will reduce the risk of starting up new detector technologies. But it also requires development of high performance software processing pipelines and optimized and scalable processing algorithms. This report provides a description of the ESS system architecture for the neutron data path. Special focus is on the interface between the detectors and DMSC which is based on UDP over Ethernet links. The report also describes the software architecture for detector data processing and the tools we have developed, which have proven very useful for efficient early experimentation, and can be run on a single laptop. Processing requirements for the SoNDe, Multi-Grid, Multi-Blade and Ge-GEM detectors are presented and compared to event processing rates archived so far.

Inelastic neutron scattering instruments require very low background; therefore the proper shielding for suppressing the scattered neutron background, both from elastic and inelastic scattering is essential. The detailed understanding of the background scattering sources is required for effective suppression. The Multi-Grid thermal neutron detector is an Ar/CO2 gas filled detector with a (B4C)-B-10 neutron converter coated on aluminium substrates. It is a large-area detector design that will equip inelastic neutron spectrometers at the European Spallation Source (ESS). To this end a parameterised Geant4 model is built for the Multi-Grid detector. This is the first time thermal neutron scattering background sources have been modelled in a detailed simulation of detector response. The model is validated via comparison with measured data of prototypes installed on the IN6 instrument at ILL and on the CNCS instrument at SNS. The effect of scattering originating in detector components is smaller than effects originating elsewhere.

In the last few years many detector technologies for thermal neutron detection have been developed in order to face the shortage of He-3, which is now much less available and more expensive. Moreover the He-3-based detectors can not fulfil the requirements in performance, e.g. the spatial resolution and the counting rate capability needed for the new instruments. The Boron-10-based gaseous detectors have been proposed as a suitable choice. This and other alternative technologies are being developed at ESS. Higher intensities mean higher signals but higher background as well. The signal-to-background ratio is an important feature to study, in particular the gamma-ray and the fast neutron contributions. This paper investigates, for the first time, the fast neutrons sensitivity of B-10-based thermal neutron detector. It presents the study of the detector response as a function of energy threshold and the underlying physical mechanisms. The latter are explained with the help of theoretical considerations and simulations.

Neutron beam monitors with a wide range of efficiencies, low. sensitivity, and high time and space resolution are required in neutron beam experiments to continuously diagnose the delivered beam. In this work, commercially available neutron beam monitors have been characterized using the R2D2 beamline at IFE (Norway) and using a Be-based neutron source. For the. sensitivity measurements different. sources have been used. The evaluation of the monitors includes, the study of their efficiency, attenuation, scattering, and sensitivity to.. In this work we report the results of this characterization.

The Multi-Grid detector technology has evolved from the proof-of-principle and characterisation stages. Here we report on the performance of the Multi-Grid detector, the MG.CNCS prototype, which has been installed and tested at the Cold Neutron Chopper Spectrometer, CNCS at SNS. This has allowed a side-by-side comparison to the performance of 3He detectors on an operational instrument. The demonstrator has an active area of 0.2 m2. It is specifically tailored to the specifications of CNCS. The detector was installed in June 2016 and has operated since then, collecting neutron scattering data in parallel to the He-3 detectors of CNCS. In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of this data, in particular on instrument energy resolution, rate capability, background and relative efficiency. Stability, gamma-ray and fast neutron sensitivity have also been investigated. The effect of scattering in the detector components has been measured and provides input to comparison for Monte Carlo simulations. All data is presented in comparison to that measured by the 3He detectors simultaneously, showing that all features recorded by one detector are also recorded by the other. The energy resolution matches closely. We find that the Multi-Grid is able to match the data collected by 3He, and see an indication of a considerable advantage in the count rate capability. Based on these results, we are confident that the Multi-Grid detector will be capable of producing high quality scientific data on chopper spectrometers utilising the unprecedented neutron flux of the ESS.

The European Spallation Source (ESS) aspires to be the worlds leading neutron source of the upcoming decades, and sets the scope on replacing He-3 tube detectors where it is reasonably achievable. The Multi-Grid detector, an Ar/CO2-filled proportional chamber based on solid (B4C)-B-10 converter, is the most potent replacement technology for chopper spectroscopy. This study reproduces in a detailed Geant4 geometry of a neutron scattering instrument the data from the Multi-Grid demonstrator detector, that has been tested for a 1 year period, installed side-by-side to the He-3 tubes at the CNCS instrument at SNS. For the further understanding of the background of the detector, Monte-Carlo simulations were performed, with the ESS Coding Framework, using a Geant4 version extended with NXSG4 and NCrystal. A detailed and realistic model of the prototype was built and was validated via comparison against measured data. With this model, different sources of neutron scattering were determined and studied separately, providing a better understanding of the scattered neutron background. Due to these capabilities the model will be used in the further optimization of the detector, especially for the background reduction via shielding, which will lead to instruments with better signal-to-background ratio by design.

The European Spallation Source aspires to become the world's leading neutron source for the studies of materials during the next decade. At ESS 16 different instruments will be built. These instruments will require neutron beam monitors with high precision, low gamma sensitivity, high time and space resolution. Such neutron beam monitors are essential in various neutron experiments to continuously diagnose the delivered beam. In this work different types of neutron beam monitors from different suppliers have been characterized using the R2D2 beamline at IFE in Norway and using a Be-based neutron source. For the gamma sensitivity measurements different gamma sources have been used. The evaluation of these monitors includes the study of their efficiency, attenuation, uniformity, stability, and their sensitivity to gamma. In this work we report the results of this characterization.

The European Spallation Source (ESS), presently under construction in Lund, Sweden, is designed to be the world's brightest neutron source. When it will be in operation, ESS will deliver an instantaneous neutron flux on detectors that will be without precedent. A down side of the high brightness will be the increase of background, especially from gamma-rays and fast-neutrons.Considering that scattering cross-sections of many samples tend to be relatively low and that the gamma- and fast-neutronbackgrounds tend to be considerable high at spallation facilities [Che +14], the signal-to-noise ratio of a measurement needs to be maximised. The sensitivity of a thermal-neutron detector to gamma-rays and to fast-neutrons is a very important characteristic, as it defines the best achievable signal-to-noise ratio for the measurement. It is therefore crucial to measure the gamma- and fast-neutron- sensitivities of all detectors that will be installed on the instruments at ESS.

The European Spallation Source (ESS) sets the scope on replacing 3He tube detectors where it is reasonably achievable, consequently advanced neutron detectors require a signal-To-noise (S/N) ratio high enough to be competitive with 3He tubes and satisfy scientific requirements. Advanced local shielding could provide the improved S/N. The objective of the current study is to create a tool that can be used during the shielding optimization process. The study is performed with Monte-Carlo simulations using a Geant4 version extended with NXSG4, that is capable to handle the crystal structure of specific materials, therefore the effects of neutron absorption, coherent and incoherent scattering were simulated. Validation of the extended Geant4 code, developed at ESS is also part of the current study by comparing the simulated results with analytical calculations. A detailed and realistic model of the state-of-The-Art Multi-Grid detector has been implemented, as it is almost the only prototype with published data on scattering effects. Simulations were performed for appropriate shielding materials with various monoenergetic neutron beams.A robust tool has been developed that could be effectively used to arise the S/N via optimizing the detector shielding for specific setups and requirements for all inelastic instruments.

Neutron reflectometry is a powerful tool used for studies of surfaces and interfaces. The absorption in the typical studied materials is neglected and this technique is limited only to the reflectivity measurement. For strongly absorbing nuclei, the absorption can be directly measured by using the neutron-induced fluorescence technique which exploits the prompt particle emission of absorbing isotopes. This technique is emerging from soft matter and biology where highly absorbing nuclei, in very small quantities, are used as a label for buried layers. Nowadays, the importance of absorbing layers is rapidly increasing, partially because of their application in neutron detection; a field that has become more active also due to the He-3-shortage. We extend the neutron-induced fluorescence technique to the study of layers of highly absorbing materials, in particular (B4C)-B-10. The theory of neutron reflectometry is a commonly studied topic; however, when a strong absorption is present the subtle relationship between the reflection and the absorption of neutrons is not widely known. The theory for a general stack of absorbing layers has been developed and compared to measurements. We also report on the requirements that a (B4C)-B-10 layer must fulfil in order to be employed as a converter in neutron detection.

We present a survey of the radiation background at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, TN, USA during routine daily operation. A broad range of detectors was used to characterize primarily the neutron and photon fields throughout the facility. These include a WENDI-2 extended range dosimeter, a thermoscientific NRD, an Arktis 4He detector, and a standard NaI photon detector. The information gathered from the detectors was used to map out the neutron dose rates throughout the facility and also the neutron dose rate and flux profiles of several different beamlines. The survey provides detailed information useful for developing future shielding concepts at spallation neutron sources, such as the European Spallation Source (ESS), currently under construction in Lund, Sweden.

Thermal neutron detector based on films of 10B4C have been developed as an alternative to 3He detectors. In particular, The Multi-Grid detector concept is considered for future large area detectors for ESS and ILL instruments. An excellent signal-to-background ratio is essential to attain expected scientific results. Aluminium is the most natural material for the mechanical structure of of the Multi-Grid detector and other similar concepts due to its mechanical and neutronic properties. Due to natural concentration of α emitters, however, the background from α particles misidentified as neutrons can be unacceptably high. We present our experience operating a detector prototype affected by this issue. Monte Carlo simulations have been used to confirm the background as α particles. The issues have been addressed in the more recent implementations of the Multi-Grid detector by the use of purified aluminium as well as Ni-plating of standard aluminium. The result is the reduction in background by two orders of magnitude. A new large-area prototype has been built incorporating these modifications.

The Multi-Grid (MG) detector has been introduced at ILL and developed by a collaboration between ILL, ESS and Linkoping University. This detector design addresses the severely decreased availability of He3, in particular for neutron scattering instruments with large-area detectors, such as time-of-flight neutron spectrometers at ESS and other facilities. The MG detector is based on thin converter films of boron-10 carbide arranged in layers orthogonal to the incoming neutrons. The design of the detector provides position resolution, efficiency competitive with He3 and a strong gamma rejection capability. This paper presents the MG large-area (2.4m2) demonstrator and the progress made in order to meet the needs of production of B4C-coated layers, mechanical parts and assembly on a scale similar to that of the final detectors for ESS. A particular effort was made to produce aluminium detector parts with a low alpha background, successfully reducing the background rate to acceptable levels. Following the IN5 demonstrator, a compact prototype has been designed in order to finalise the electronic readout to be used at the ESS instruments equipped with the MG.

The European Spallation Source (ESS), currently under construction in Lund, Sweden, will house a suite of 16 user instruments for neutron scattering experiments. The spallation source of the ESS will emit relatively long, 2.8 ms, neutron pulses with an integrated flux that will greatly exceed that of current facilities. This leads to both large advancements in instrument performance as well as to increased length and complexity of the beam delivery systems. The instruments will each be equipped with neutron beam monitors used for data normalisation and analysis, as well as commissioning and diagnostics. In this paper we present the requirements for beam monitors for the ESS and the strategy to meet these in a standardised approach. A large range of specifications in efficiency, dynamic range, time and position resolution, compatible materials are needed. A new feature for neutron beam monitors for some locations, is the ability to measure time profile of each source pulse individually. In general, event mode readout will be used for monitors, similarly to other neutron detectors at the facility. A selection of detectors based on different technologies will be available. Monitors will be integrated with beam lines and choppers in a way that allows to freely choose the type of monitor based on final requirements of an instrument. For this end, space for a standardised module, housing a monitor will be provided in conjunction with chopper assemblies and elsewhere on each beam line.

The European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, Sweden will become the world's leading neutron source for the study of materials. It will be a long pulse source, with an average beam power of 5 MW delivered to the target station. The ESS is in the construction phase, which started in 2013 with the completion of the Technical Design Report (TDR). The instruments are being selected from conceptual proposals submitted by groups from around Europe. These instruments present numerous challenges for detector technology in the absence of the availability of Helium-3, which is the default choice for detectors for instruments built until today and due to the extreme rates expected across the ESS instrument suite. Additionally a new generation of source requires a new generation of detector technologies to fully exploit the opportunities that this source provides. To meet this challenge at a green-field site, the detectors will be sourced from partners across Europe through numerous in-kind arrangements; a process that is somewhat novel for the neutron scattering community. This contribution presents briefly the current status of detectors for the ESS, and outlines the timeline to completion. For a conjectured instrument suite based upon instruments recommended for construction, a recently updated snapshot of the current expected detector requirements is presented. A strategy outline as to how these requirements might be tackled by novel detector developments is shown. In terms of future developments for the neutron community, synergies should be sought with other disciples, as recognized by various recent initiatives in Europe, in the context of the fundamentally multi-disciplinary nature of detectors. This strategy has at its basis the in-kind and collaborative partnerships necessary to be able to produce optimally performant detectors that allow the ESS instruments to be world-leading. This foresees and encourages a high level of collaboration and interdependence at its core

The energy determination of thermal and cold neutrons could revolutionize the field of neutron scattering science and transform the instrument design for future facilities. This contribution evaluates the feasibility and potential of a statistical determination of the neutron energy in the new generation of neutron detectors. In particular, the novel technology of multi-layer 10B thin film detectors present a unique opportunity of exploiting this possibility by using the various neutron penetration depths to extract energy information. A statistical mathematical model for doing so is being developed. To this end, measurements of absorption profiles on boron carbide have been performed at the Institutt for Energiteknikk, Norway and the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin, Germany. The results of the data analysis allow for a preliminary estimate on the feasibility and the potential of this method. © 2013 IEEE., CODEN: 85OQA