A compact, rapid-response, reusable neutron detectors developed at CRNL. The 15 cm long detector consists of a polymer gel in a tube. Tiny droplets of superheated liquid are dispersed throughout the clear polymer. When used as a detector, the cap on the tube is tightened to decrease the tube volume resulting in a slightly elevated pressure on the gel. When a neutron strikes a droplet, the droplet immediately vaporizes forming a visible gas bubble in the gel. The number of droplets provides a measure of the neutron dose. The formulation can be adjusted for a wide range of neutron dosages and the bubbles can be counted directly or through the use of an automated counter.
