Introducing the Stacked Domino®: Scalable, High-Coverage Neutron Detection Solid-state neutron detection has taken a major leap forward. The new Stacked Domino® offers scalable detection coverage with up to 50% thermal neutron efficiency — all while preserving the compact, low-power simplicity that defines the original Domino®. What is the Stacked Domino®? The Stacked Domino® builds on the established design of the original Domino®, a compact microstructured semiconductor neutron detector (MSND®) that operates at low voltage and requires no high-voltage biasing or complex analog pulse shaping. The “stacked” configuration refers to two layers of Domino® detector tiles stacked on top of each other to increase interaction probability and overall thermal neutron detection efficiency. (This is not a linear “domino” arrangement; it is a layered architecture designed to increase performance within the same footprint.) By stacking Domino® modules, users can increase detection area and thermal neutron efficiency, achieving levels up to 50% under typical moderated conditions. Despite the expanded detection capability, the Stacked Domino® retains the benefits of the original: digital output per module, low power consumption, and a small form factor ideal for embedded and portable systems. View Product Page Why Solid-State MSND® Technology Matters Traditional neutron detectors, especially those using Helium-3, often require pressurized gas, large enclosures, and high-voltage systems. Solid-state detectors using MSND® technology eliminate these constraints by relying on a lithium-6 neutron conversion process integrated within microstructured semiconductor features. Charged particles produced by this conversion generate detectable electronic signals directly inside the device. This approach offers several advantages: compact size, ruggedness, low power requirements, and the ability to operate without specialized gas handling. The Domino® family demonstrates how solid-state neutron detection can be both efficient and practical for field-ready applications. Where the Stacked Domino® Excels The Stacked Domino® is purpose-built for environments where enhanced thermal neutron detection must coexist with tight space, weight, or power constraints. Key application areas include: Neutron generator systems — yield monitoring and real-time source verification. Beamline and laboratory research — compact, modular detectors for experiments requiring thermal neutron sensitivity. Homeland security and portable screening devices — low-power operation ideal for battery-driven detection tools. Handheld or embedded instruments — especially where sensor arrays must be lightweight and scalable. Industrial and environmental monitoring — modular architecture allows designers to match detection coverage to their specific needs. By stacking modules vertically or configuring them in multi-module arrays, system designers can tailor detection performance without reengineering the electronics or signal processing pipeline — “stack more, detect more.” Understanding Thermal Neutron Detection Efficiency Thermal neutrons interact with the solid-state lithium-6 in a conversion process to an alpha particle that is then measurable by the semiconductor. This is known as the neutron-alpha (n, alpha) reaction. Since lithium-6 has a good thermal neutron cross section this detector is ideal for these types of measurements. Microstructured semiconductor neutron detectors improve efficiency by placing the conversion material inside deep etched cavities or microscopic trenches. This geometry significantly increases the probability that reaction products escape into the semiconductor, enhancing detectable signal yield. A single Domino® module achieves around 30% thermal neutron efficiency under typical moderated conditions, while stacking Domino® increases that value to 50%. Final Thoughts The Stacked Domino® represents a modern, scalable approach to solid-state neutron detection. It preserves the compactness and simplicity of the original Domino® while providing the flexibility needed for advanced scientific, industrial, and security applications. For instrument designers looking to increase coverage without increasing system complexity, the Stacked Domino® offers an elegant and powerful solution. References Rotunda Scientific Technologies. “Domino® Neutron Detector – Product Specifications.” RotundaSciTech.com. Rotunda Scientific Technologies. “Stacked Domino® Overview and Efficiency Data.” RotundaSciTech.com. Rotunda Scientific Technologies. “MSND® Microstructured Semiconductor Neutron Detection Technology.” RotundaSciTech.com. General references on neutron detection principles, lithium-6 conversion reactions, and thermal neutron behavior from standard nuclear instrumentation literature and publicly available physics resources. Background information on Helium-3 detectors and solid-state alternatives from publicly accessible scientific and technical publications. *AI assistance was used in generating this explainer text.
