Coded-aperture imaging systems: Past, present and future development – A review

• Published in: Radiation measurements Vol. 92; pp. 59 - 71
• Main Authors: Cieślak, Michał J., Gamage, Kelum A.A., Glover, Robert
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2016
• Subjects: Coded-aperture; Monte Carlo modelling; Neutron detection; Radiation imaging; Radiation imaging; Monte Carlo modelling; Coded-aperture; Neutron detection
• ISSN: 1350-4487; 1879-0925
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2016.08.002

Scintillator based coded-aperture imaging has proven to be effective when applied for X- and gamma-ray detection. Adaptation of the same method for neutron imaging has resulted in a number of propitious systems, which could be potentially employed for neutron detection in security and nuclear decommissioning applications. Recently developed scintillator based coded-aperture imagers reveal that localisation of neutron sources using this technique may be feasible, since pulse shape discrimination algorithms implemented in the digital domain can reliably separate gamma-rays from fast neutron interactions occurring within an organic scintillator. Moreover, recent advancements in the development of solid organic scintillators make them a viable solution for nuclear decommissioning applications as they present less hazardous characteristics than currently dominating liquid scintillation detectors. In this paper existing applications of coded-apertures for radiation detection are critically reviewed, highlighting potential improvements for coded-aperture based neutron source localisation. Further, the suitability of coded-apertures for neutron imaging in nuclear decommissioning is also assessed using Monte-Carlo modelling. •We present a review of the existing coded-aperture based radiation detectors.•Highlight potential improvements to coded-aperture neutron imaging systems.•Alternatives to 3He based neutron detection techniques are discussed.•An investigation into pulse shape discrimination capable scintillators is performed.•Requirements of neutron imagers for nuclear decommissioning are presented.