The Need
Current fast neutron detection technologies suffer from inherently low sensitivity due to the limited interaction cross-section between neutrons and atomic nuclei. This restricts their effectiveness in critical applications such as nuclear security, radiation dosimetry, and advanced imaging. There is a pressing need for a highly sensitive, scalable, and passive detection method that can operate in mixed radiation fields and provide both real-time and retrospective radiation exposure data.

The Technology
This novel detection platform, in development by OSU researchers, could leverage isolated quantum point defects, such as nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond, to detect fast neutrons, gamma rays, and X-rays by monitoring changes in spin coherence times (T₂ and T₁). When radiation interacts within the defect’s sensing volume, it would induce atomic displacements and defect cascades that measurably alter spin relaxation properties. This approach could potentially amplify the detection cross-section by several orders of magnitude, enabling ultra-sensitive, passive radiation sensing in solid-state materials.

Commercial Applications
• Fast neutron detection for nuclear security and nonproliferation
• Passive radiation dosimetry for personnel and equipment
• X-ray and gamma-ray imaging in medical diagnostics (e.g., CT)
• Non-destructive testing (NDT) in aerospace and manufacturing
• Radiation monitoring in nuclear fusion and fission energy systems

Benefits/Advantages
• Sensitivity enhancement over traditional methods
• Passive, solid-state platform with no need for active power during exposure
• Capable of distinguishing between neutron and gamma interactions
• Scalable to various host materials (e.g., diamond, SiC, hBN)
• Suitable for both real-time and post-exposure readout modalities