SP2

The single-sphere neutron spectrometer SP2 is a unique device that allows performing active neutron spectrometry measurements by employing a single instrument instead of the usual multi-sphere BSS.

SP2 is characterized by the same high sensitivity and precision as BSS in determining the neutron flux over the entire energy range, while removing any reproducibility uncertainty. When employed with the on-line unfolding tool, SP2 can also perform real time measurements.

SP2 is equipped with 32 active ⁶LiF-covered Silicon neutron detectors installed over six concentric layers inside the moderating assembly, so that they reproduce the spectrometric performance of a six-sphere BSS. The signals are acquired by the built-in electronics and can be either analysed on-line by the built-in unfolding algorithm, or saved as raw data for off-line analysis.

SP2 can be used in a great number of activities in scientific research: homeland security, cargo inspections, calibration laboratories, characterization of stray radiation fields for radiation protection purposes, periodical quality check of the neutron stray radiation field, all applications involving the need of a fast and precise measurement of the neutron spectrum.

A SP2 LITE version is also available, featuring a lighter build and a narrower energy range, suitable for all the applications that do not require to detect neutrons with energy above 20 MeV.

The response function of the device, calculated via Monte Carlo simulations, is available for either on-line and off-line analysis. The response function and unfolding algorithm have been validated after thoroughly testing with reference radioactive sources.

SP2 is the ideal device for performing active neutron spectrum measurements in every radiation environment, including mixed stray radiation fields, workplaces characterized by high gamma background and reference calibration laboratories.