Neutron Detectors: Alternatives to Using Helium-3 GAO-11-753,
Sep 29, 2011 - Highlights Page: - Accessible Text: Neutron
detectors are used to detect neutron radiation in science,
security, and other applications. For example, large-area
detectors detect neutrons at science facilities across the world
and radiation portal monitors screen vehicles and cargo at ports
and border crossings for nuclear material that terrorists could
use in a nuclear weapon. Helium-3 is a critical component of
such neutron detectors, and in 2008 the U.S. government became
aware of a severe shortage of helium-3 gas. While demand for it
has increased, helium-3 is currently produced as a byproduct of
the radioactive decay of tritium, and the United States ceased
tritium production in 1988. The shortage has led science
facilities and federal agencies such as the DOD and DHS to
identify or develop alternative detector technologies. GAO was
asked to review the effectiveness of alternative neutron
detector technologies that do not use hel