The avalanche image intensifier panel for fast neutron radiography by using laser-driven neutron sources

Laser-driven neutrons have been expected as an optimum source for neutron radiography applications. Since the neutron fluence is lower than that of accelerator-based neutron source a new device for amplifying scintillation light has been required. The avalanche image intensifier panel discussed here has a large aperture and fast response which has been developed specifically for laser-driven neutron radiography applications. The gain uniformity for pulsed light sources was improved by optimizing electrical circuit. The performances of the improved image intensifier panel were experimentally evaluated. With the improved circuit, the gain non-uniformity was σ=5% and impulse response was 50 ns in full width half maximum (FWHM), and dynamic range was 100 which is invariable for a light pulse duration from 15 ns to 500 ns. Laser-driven neutron radiography has been successfully demonstrated in spite of the low neutron flux.