Diffraction measurements with a boron-based GEM neutron detector

The research of reliable substitutes of 3He detectors is an important task for the affordability of new neutron scattering instrumentation for future spallation sources like the European Spallation Source. GEM (Gas Electron Multiplier)-based detectors represent a valid alternative since they can combine high-rate capability, coverage of up to 1 m2 area and good intrinsic spatial resolution (for this detector class it can be better than 0.5mm). The first neutron diffraction measurements performed using a borated GEM detector are reported. The detector has an active area of 10 × 5 cm2 and is equipped with a borated cathode. The GEM detector was read out using the standard ISIS Data Acquisition System. The comparison with measurements performed with standard 3He detectors shows that the broadening of the peaks measured on the diffractogram obtained with the GEM is 20–30% wider than the one obtained by 3He tubes but the active area of the GEM is twice that of 3He tubes. The GEM resolution is improved if half of its active area is considered. The signal-to-background ratio of the GEM is about 1.5 to 2 times lower than that of 3He. This measurement proves that GEM detectors can be used for neutron diffraction measurements and paves the way for their use at future neutron spallation sources.