The new platform of devices for Neutron Detection is designed to collect the signals from neutron detectors, process and convert them into digital information and store them in data files. R7771B and R7780 share a common programmable hardware with industrial grade components for high reliability even in case of high temperature operational conditions; they embed an FPGA for generating time stamped list of neutron signals for up to 32 input channels. The internal microprocessor records the data, reproduces the functionality of shift register, multiplicity register and pulse train recorder. Each module provides a web interface for board firmware upgrade, file management, information retrieval and (R7780 only) data readout. High voltage (+2000 V / 1 mA) and Low Voltage (+5 V / 1 A) power supplies are integrated in the modules.
Moreover CAEN has developed a 19” rack-mount solution for the readout of 3He/BF3 tubes, which can be tailored for neutron physics experiments and environmental/security monitoring system. It is a scalable system allowing to put together few to hundreds neutron detectors. It can be composed starting from three basic building blocks: R8033 High Voltage board, R1443 Charge Sensitive Preamplifier specifically designed for 3He/BF3 tubes and R5560C 14-bit 125MS/s Digitizer. Thanks to its firmware programmability, this readout system can perform specific filtering to achieve the best charge, timing and position measurements.
The R1443 Preamplifier Unit for He3 Tubes is available in three variants: the 32-channel R1443A, the 64-channel R1443B, and the R1443C, which features 32 channels with 16 independent HV inputs for individual tube customization.
The neutron coincidence counting is one of the fundamental techniques for non-destructive assay. CAEN designed a new platform of devices that addresses the current situation of limited availability of maintainable instrumentation and reflects the recent advances in microelectronics. R777x and R7780 satisfy the needs of attended and unattended measurements, bringing improvements from all perspectives: guaranteeing nominal performances in a wider range of measurement conditions, combining bigger storage capability, modern user interfaces and low power consumption.
The DT7790 is a Desktop Dual Current Monitor for Nuclear Safeguards applications such as ion chamber gamma monitoring. It has two independent inputs detecting currents in three user-selectable ranges that span from -100 fA to -800 μA. The DT7790 can simplify instrumentation needs by enabling the use of a simple pulse counter for both neutron and gamma measurements.
The R7780 is a complete readout, acquisition and analysis module for up to 8 neutron detectors that can work in unattended mode. It can be operated rack mount or as a standalone unit. The device combines the functions of a Shift Register and a Pulse Train Recorder. The eight single-ended TTL inputs (LEMO) feature independent counting capability. Moreover, adjustable input thresholds give the possibility to compensate TTL signal voltage drops in case of long – distance use.
R8033 High Voltage board (Mod. R8033DP: 16-ch +4kV/3mA)
The three units combined build a complete readout system for neutron detection applications, allowing for the readout of up to 16 position-sensing 3He/ BF₃ tubes. It provides High Voltage for 3He/BF₃ tubes bias and a proper preamplification stage. Thanks to the architecture based on Flash ADC, the Pulse Processor can sustain event rates up to 100 kcps per channel. CAEN provides the Thanos DAQ software, that allows the user to remotely manage the High Voltage and Digitizers, to acquire waveforms, energy spectra, ToF spectra, and to perform position reconstruction.
The new R7771B module replaces the obsolete R7771 and previous R7771B versions. This is a device boxed in a mechanics compliant to 19” racks and designed for performing neutron pulse trains recording independently on 32 channels. The device works in attended mode, where time‐stamped lists of input TTL pulses coming from a neutron detector are provided to an external computer to be recorded for further analysis.
