Understanding Neutron Radiography Post Exam Reading VIII-Part 2a of 2A

PART 6. Neutron Detection
Characteristics
The neutron is a part of the nucleus, has no charge and is somewhat larger in
mass than the proton. It is similar to the photon in that it has no charge and
produces ionization indirectly; it is different from the photon because it is a
nuclear particle and not a unit of electromagnetic energy. Because the
neutron is an uncharged particle, its interactions with matter are different from
those of charged particles or photons. Ionization by neutrons is indirect: as a
result of neutron interactions with matter, recoil nuclei, photons or charged
particles are produced and then interact with matter by various mechanisms
that cause ionization.
Charlie Chong/ Fion Zhang