SoNDe · Project

Neutron Detectors That Work Without Scarce Helium-3 Gas for Research Facilities

manufacturingTestedTRL 6

Imagine you run a facility that uses neutrons like an X-ray machine — shining them through materials to see what's inside without breaking anything. The gas these detectors rely on (helium-3) is running out worldwide and getting very expensive. SoNDe built a solid-state replacement that skips the gas entirely, works at higher beam intensities, and can pinpoint where neutrons land down to 3 mm. They went from a single module all the way to a full-size 1x1 metre prototype ready for testing at major neutron labs.

By the numbers

3 mm

Spatial resolution achievable by direct imaging

1x1 m²

Full-size prototype detector area constructed

Detector modules tested together in 2x2 demonstrator

Consortium partners across 4 countries

Total project deliverables completed

The business problem

What needed solving

Neutron research facilities worldwide face a critical supply problem: helium-3 gas, the key ingredient in conventional neutron detectors, is scarce and increasingly expensive. At the same time, next-generation neutron sources like the European Spallation Source produce far more intense beams than older detectors can handle. Facilities need a detector technology that works without helium-3 and keeps up with modern beam intensities.

The solution

What was built

The team built three physical demonstrators of increasing scale: a single detector module (1x1), a 4-module assembly (2x2) to validate multi-module operation, and a full-size 1x1 m² prototype. All are solid-state devices achieving 3 mm resolution without using helium-3 gas.

Audience

Who needs this

Neutron detector manufacturers looking to replace helium-3 technologyOperators of neutron scattering facilities (ESS, ILL, ISIS, MLZ)Instrument scientists designing new beamline instrumentsDefence and security companies using neutron detection for cargo screeningIndustrial R&D labs that purchase beamtime for materials characterisation

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Scientific Instrumentation

mid-size

Target: Neutron detector manufacturers and suppliers to research facilities

If you are a detector manufacturer supplying neutron research facilities — this project developed a full-size 1x1 m² solid-state detector prototype that eliminates dependency on scarce helium-3 gas. With resolution down to 3 mm and modular construction from tested 2x2 multi-module assemblies, you could license this design to offer next-generation detectors to facilities like ESS, ILL, and ISIS without helium-3 supply risk.

Nuclear and Particle Physics Facilities

enterprise

Target: Operators of spallation sources and neutron research centres

If you are operating a neutron scattering facility facing helium-3 supply constraints — this project built and tested detector modules that handle peak flux from modern spallation sources without requiring a beam stop. The modular design with 1x1 single-module and 2x2 multi-module demonstrators means easier maintenance and scalable coverage for your instrument beamlines.

Advanced Materials and Pharma R&D

any

Target: Companies using neutron scattering for materials characterisation or drug development

If you are an R&D lab that books beamtime at neutron facilities for materials testing or molecular structure analysis — better detectors mean sharper data and shorter measurement times. SoNDe's 3 mm resolution direct-imaging technique and high-flux capacity could reduce the beamtime you need to purchase, cutting your per-experiment costs at facilities across Europe.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would a detector system like this cost compared to current helium-3 detectors?

The project data does not include pricing. However, global helium-3 prices have risen sharply due to scarcity, so any detector that eliminates helium-3 dependency removes a volatile cost factor. Contact the coordinator at Forschungszentrum Jülich for licensing or unit cost discussions.

Can this scale to cover large instrument areas at a facility?

Yes. The team specifically designed for scalability — they built a single 1x1 module demonstrator, then a 2x2 multi-module demonstrator with 4 detector modules, and finally a full-size 1x1 m² prototype. The modular architecture means you tile modules to cover whatever area your instrument requires.

Who owns the IP and can I license this technology?

The project was coordinated by Forschungszentrum Jülich (DE), a major German research centre. IP from EU-funded RIA projects typically stays with the consortium partners. Licensing discussions should be directed to Jülich's technology transfer office.

Which facilities has this been tested at or designed for?

SoNDe was designed specifically for the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Sweden and is compatible with ILL (France), MLZ (Germany), LLB (France), and ISIS (UK). The consortium included partners from 4 countries (DE, FR, NO, SE), directly mapping to these facilities.

Is the technology ready for deployment or still experimental?

The project delivered a full-size 1x1 m² prototype, which places it beyond basic research. However, based on available project data, there is no evidence of commercial deployment or production-line manufacturing. It is at the tested prototype stage, likely requiring engineering for production readiness.

What resolution and performance can I expect?

The detector achieves 3 mm spatial resolution through direct imaging, with higher resolutions available through interpolation. It handles peak flux from modern spallation sources and does not require a beam stop, enabling measurements at direct beam intensity.

Does this comply with facility safety regulations?

By eliminating helium-3 — a controlled, scarce isotope — the detector simplifies procurement and reduces regulatory burden around gas handling. Based on available project data, specific safety certifications are not mentioned, but the design was developed in collaboration with major European neutron facilities.

Consortium

Who built it

The SoNDe consortium brings together 5 partners from 4 countries (Germany, France, Norway, Sweden) — a geographic spread that maps directly onto the major European neutron facilities the detector is designed for. The mix includes 2 research organisations, 1 university, 1 industry partner, and 1 other entity, with 1 SME in the group (20% industry ratio). Led by Forschungszentrum Jülich, one of Europe's largest research centres with deep neutron science expertise, the consortium is research-heavy. The presence of an industrial partner and an SME signals some commercial intent, but a business buyer should expect to engage primarily with research institutions for technology transfer rather than finding a ready commercial supplier.

FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBHCoordinator · DE
LUNDS UNIVERSITETparticipant · SE
COMMISSARIAT A L ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESparticipant · FR
INTEGRATED DETECTOR ELECTRONICS ASparticipant · NO
EUROPEAN SPALLATION SOURCE ERICparticipant · SE

How to reach the team

Ralf Engels at Forschungszentrum Jülich (DE) — named as responsible for all three hardware demonstrator deliverables

Order a report on this consortium See FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JULICH GMBH profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the SoNDe team at Jülich? SciTransfer can arrange a technology briefing and explore licensing options on your behalf.

Order a report on this topic More in Manufacturing & Industry 4.0