Progress in alternative neutron detection to address the helium-3 shortage

One of the main uses for 3He is in gas proportional counters for neutron detection. Such detectors are used at neutron scattering science facilities and in radiation portal monitors deployed for homeland security and non-proliferation applications. Other uses of 3He are for research detectors, commercial instruments, well logging detectors, dilution refrigerators, lung imaging, for targets in nuclear research, and for basic research in condensed matter physics. The supply of 3He comes entirely from the decay of tritium produced for nuclear weapons in the U.S. and Russia. Due to the large increase in use of 3He for science and homeland security (since 2002), the supply could no longer meet the demand. This has led to the development of a number of alternative neutron detection schemes. •There is a shortage of 3He for gas proportional counters for neutron detection.•This has led to the development of alternative neutron detection schemes.•Both thermal and fast neutron detection approaches have been developed.•Thermal neutron solutions are mostly boron-based or lithium-based.•Fast neutron solutions include liquid/plastic scintillators, bubble chambers or 4He.