Nuclear properties of carbon nanotubes for fast neutron detection

Abstract

Fast neutron detection is a subject of great relevance in modern nuclear science and engineering, in particular, with the recentadvances in nuclear fusion research, detection of fast neutron became a key issue. Nuclear properties of carbon are of specialinterest due to its relatively high capture cross section for fast neutrons. Devices made of silicon carbide and diamond are based inthese properties, and so are being developed to be used with the proper wiring. In addition, in recent years carbon nano-tubesunveiled their electrical and mechanical properties, which can be exploited for neutron detection. In this work, we use MCNP5Monte Carlo code to analyze the carbon nuclear properties and discuss the way nano-tubes can be used for fast neutron detection.