Abstract
Abstract—D-T neutron generators have been used as an active
interrogation source for associated particle imaging techniques.
The D-T reaction yields a 14-MeV neutron and an alpha particle.
The kinetics of the reaction allow the directionality and timing of
the neutron to be determined utilizing position sensitive detectors
for both the alpha and neutron. This information may be used
for imaging applications. Since position and timing are required
to form images, improved certainty in directional and timing will
result in improved imaging performance. This requires maximum
light transmission from its origin in the scintillator to conversion
at the photosensor. This work is a study of the timing resolution
of a first generation associated particle detector. An optical transport
code, coupled with a timing model is also used to simulate the
timing resolution. Good agreement is shown. Fundamental limits
are presented with the aid of simulation and measurements. Based
on these results, implications on the next-generation design are discussed.
