Properties of diamond-based neutron detectors operated in harsh environments

Diamond is widely studied and used for the detection of direct and indirect ionizing particles because of its many physical and electrical outstanding properties, which make this material very attractive as a fast-response, high-radiation-hardness and low-noise radiation detector. Diamond detectors are suited for detecting almost all types of ionizing radiation (e.g., neutrons, ions, UV, and X-ray) and are used in a wide range of applications including ones requiring the capability to withstand harsh environments (e.g., high temperature, high radiation fluxes, or strong chemical conditions). After reviewing the basic properties of the diamond detector and its working principle detailing the physics aspects, the paper discusses the diamond as a neutron detector and reviews its performances in harsh environments.