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Fast-Track : High-Volume, Low-Cost Production of Large Area Neutron Science Detectors

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-13ER90640
Agency Tracking Number: 83565
Amount: $999,999.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 09 a
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000760
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2013
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-02-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
8022 EL RIO STREET
Houston, TX 77054-4184
United States
DUNS: 806763793
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Jeffrey Lacey
 Dr.
 (713) 747-7325
 jlacy@proportionaltech.com
Business Contact
 Jeffrey Lacy
Title: Dr.
Phone: () -
Email: jlacy@proportionaltech.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Neutron scattering is a powerful technique that is critically important for materials science and structural biology applications. Pressurized 3He tubes are widely used in this field. However, the severe 3He shortage prevents this medium from satisfying even current installation upgrades. Clearly other detection media and instrumentation techniques must be found to come close to taking full advantage of powerful, expensive facilities like the Spallation Neutron Source in the US. A neutron detection technology, based on boron-coated straw (BCS) detectors, has been proposed to replace 3He tubes in large-scale neutron science instruments. In previous projects funded by the US government, BCS-based imaging panels were developed and tested successfully at a national neutron scattering facility. The current project aims to develop production methods, including a critical in-house 10B4C high volume sputter coating system and automated in line detector tube production system, that together will dramatically increase production capacity to the level required, and as well offer a significant cost reduction. The capability to efficiently and effectively produce BCS detectors in high volumes to meet the communitys needs for large inelastic instruments will be demonstrated with a full scale prototype imaging panel. The panel will be comprehensively tested and evaluated at a US neutron science facility.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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