Neutron Detection Equipment Market Size & Share [2033]

Neutron Detection Equipment Market Overview

The Neutron Detection Equipment Market size was valued at USD 149.36 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 202.78 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The neutron detection equipment market value reached approximately USD 140 million in 2024, with shipments exceeding 10 000 units globally in nuclear safety, homeland security, aerospace, and research sectors. In 2023, lithium large‑area detectors represented over 30 % of all neutron detector units shipped, while scintillation neutron detectors captured US 28 million in sales volume in that year. Fast neutron detectors and semiconductor neutron detectors together accounted for approximately 40 % of unit deployments worldwide. Geographically, North America held above 35 % of global unit consumption in 2024, and Europe followed with about 25 % market share.

Approximately 8 500 detector systems were installed across nuclear power plants in 2024 alone, reflecting a 17 % year‑on‑year growth in installations. In urban detection networks, nearly 2 000 units were deployed across 10 countries by mid‑2024. With over 60 % of shipment volume destined for nuclear monitoring applications and 15 % for aerospace and defense projects, the neutron detection equipment market exhibited concentrated demand patterns.

Key Findings

Driver: Expansion of nuclear power initiatives with over 300 reactors operational in 2024 driving detector adoption.

Top Country/Region: North America leads with more than 35 % of global neutron detector unit consumption in 2024.

Top Segment: Lithium large‑area neutron detectors held approximately 30 % of unit shipments in 2023.

Neutron Detection Equipment Market Trends

The neutron detection market exhibited robust trend dynamics in 2023–2024, marked by increasing unit deployment and detection performance enhancements. In 2023 alone, over 8 000 fast neutron detector systems were delivered worldwide, reflecting demand across nuclear safety, industrial inspection, and homeland security domains. Fast neutron detectors now make up roughly 20 % of the total global unit count exceeding 12 000 units as of Q4 2024. Scintillation neutron detectors recorded US 28 million in market volume in 2023 and saw shipments grow by 25 % year‑on‑year—with over 4 500 units sold across nuclear and medical imaging applications. Semiconductor neutron detectors showed slow but steady growth with deployment of more than 3 000 units in defense detection applications by end‑2024. Lithium large‑area neutron detectors accounted for roughly 30 % of detector shipments in 2023, with over 6 000 m² of detection area deployed globally. These detectors were heavily used in nuclear power plant perimeter monitoring, where over 1 200 systems were added across North America and Europe in 2024.

Urban detection networks grew quickly: approximately 2 000 units were operational across 10 cities worldwide by mid‑2024, with integration into over 100 transit and public event venues. Detection system miniaturization saw average unit weights decline by 15 % between 2022 and 2024, from around 5 kg to 4.25 kg, enabling broader handheld deployments. Enhanced sensitivity was noted in newer models, with at least 22 % greater neutron-to-gamma discrimination, lowering false‑alarm rates by one‑quarter. Adoption of dual‑mode systems expanded, with over 9 000 devices featuring both neutron and gamma detection capabilities launched in 2024. Detector shipments for nuclear research applications—such as fusion and material analysis—totaled more than 1 100 units in 2023. Technological integration with AI and IoT also accelerated: more than 5 300 neutron detection units featuring real‑time analytics platforms were deployed in 2024 across nuclear plants and border checkpoints. Ultraminiature helium‑3 alternatives—such as solid-state semiconductor detectors—rose in share, with over 3 000 units in service, equating to roughly 25 % of all handheld deployments. Regional rollout showed North America installing more than 6 200 new units in 2024, Europe contributing about 3 000 units, Asia‑Pacific installing over 2 500 units, and combined Middle East & Africa adding nearly 800 systems. Overall, trends reflect growth in unit count (total approaching 12 500 by end‑2024), improved technical metrics, wider application deployment, and digital integration across neutron detection platforms.

Neutron Detection Equipment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Growth in nuclear power deployment

Over 70 nuclear reactors were under construction in early 2025, raising total reactor fleet count to 444 units globally. This expansion drove installations of over 8 500 neutron detection systems at reactor sites by Q1 2025, up from roughly 7 280 systems in Q1 2024—a 17 % annual increase. Rising nuclear power infrastructure led to installation of 1 200 new perimeter monitoring detectors in North America and Europe in 2024 alone. Furthermore, new reactor builds in Asia‑Pacific numbered 25 units across China, India, and South Korea by mid‑2024, prompting shipment increases of 2 500 fast neutron detector units to that region.

RESTRAINT

Helium‑3 scarcity and supply constraints

Helium‑3 shortages since 2018 resulted in price increases of over 200 % per liter, inflating raw material costs for proportional detectors by 30 % between 2022 and 2024. As of end‑2024, inventory levels of helium‑3 were 25 % below optimal stock, delaying production of nearly 1 400 detector systems. This supply constraint affected 40 % of neutron detector manufacturers, resulting in an average delivery lead time of 18 months—up from 12 months in 2022.

OPPORTUNITY

Transition to helium‑free technologies

By Q4 2024, 60 % of newly launched neutron detectors incorporated lithium or semiconductor-based detection mechanisms, up from 45 % in 2022. Semiconductor neutron detectors saw unit shipments rise to over 3 000 in 2024, representing approximately 25 % of handheld detector installations. With 4 500 scintillation-based systems shipped in the same year, demand for helium‑free solutions exceeded 7 500 units—surpassing helium‑3 reliance.

CHALLENGE

Regulatory and export restrictions

Regulatory constraints affected approximately 55 % of neutron detector shipments in 2024, with controls on nuclear-related technologies in force across 40 countries. Export licensing delays averaged 120 days per order, deterring deployment of around 800 units in critical security missions. Furthermore, 20 % of vendors reported that regulatory compliance costs rose by 28 % in 2023–2024, increasing project timelines by as much as six months.

Neutron Detection Equipment Market Segmentation

Segmentation by detector type and application shows precise distribution of units and focused market reach across industries.

By Type

Lithium Large‑Area Neutron Detector: Accounted for over 6 000 m² of sensitive detection area globally by end‑2024. These detectors represented around 30 % of total shipping units, equating to approximately 3 600 units if average area per unit is 1.67 m².
Fast Neutron Detectors: Made up roughly 20 % of global detector units, with over 8 000 systems delivered in 2023–2024 and average weight reduction of 15 %.
Scintillation Neutron Detectors: Shipped more than 4 500 units in 2023, translating to approximately US 28 million in market volume.
Semiconductor Neutron Detectors: Registered unit shipments exceeding 3 000 in 2024, representing about 25 % share of all handheld detection systems.

By Application

Nuclear Power: Over 8 500 detection systems were installed at reactor sites worldwide by Q1 2025. Nuclear applications absorbed more than 60 % of total shipments in 2023–2024.
Aerospace & Defense: Defense-related deployments included upwards of 3 000 fast neutron detectors and semiconductor units in 2023, covering military bases and border control points.
Urban Detection Networks: Designed to cover transit systems and public venues, roughly 2 000 urban network units operated by mid‑2024, deployed across 10 cities.
Others: Research and material analysis applications featured over 1 100 units installed in laboratories by end‑2023.

Neutron Detection Equipment Regional Outlook

The neutron detection equipment market displays distinct performance characteristics across key global regions, shaped by nuclear power expansion, public security needs, and adoption of emerging detection technologies. In

North America

the market remains dominant, accounting for more than 35% of worldwide neutron detector unit consumption in 2024. The United States alone installed over 6,200 new neutron detection units during the year, covering reactor sites, border protection facilities, and transportation hubs. This was supported by more than 90 operational nuclear reactors in the U.S. fleet, along with active deployment programs funded through U.S. Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security initiatives. Additionally, approximately 1,000 urban network detectors were installed across major cities such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles, expanding coverage for counter-terrorism applications.

Europe

remains a major contributor to neutron detection equipment adoption, with approximately 25% of global detector shipments delivered to European countries in 2024. Around 3,000 new units were installed across the continent during the year, driven largely by nuclear infrastructure modernization projects in France, the UK, and Finland. France, for instance, invested in both replacement and new builds within its reactor fleet, while the UK’s Sizewell C development further stimulated demand. European border control agencies also ramped up orders for handheld neutron detection units, with the European Union’s Border and Coast Guard Agency coordinating programs that led to a 25% year-on-year increase in neutron detector deployment at land and sea entry points. Furthermore, Germany, Italy, and Sweden expanded investments in neutron detection for industrial inspection and material analysis, adding an estimated 500 units for non-power applications during the same period.

Asia-Pacific

region, the market experienced rapid growth, accounting for more than 2,500 newly installed neutron detection units during 2024. China led the expansion with more than 1,400 units deployed at new and existing reactor sites. The country brought online 12 additional nuclear reactors during the year, contributing significantly to increased demand for large-area neutron detectors and fast neutron monitors. India and South Korea also contributed to regional growth, adding more than 900 and 200 units, respectively, through investments tied to both civilian nuclear power generation and national defense. Across Asia-Pacific, approximately 25 new reactors were under construction by mid-2024, creating sustained long-term opportunities for neutron detection equipment suppliers.

Middle East & Africa

region, while smaller in volume, demonstrated growing potential, with nearly 800 neutron detection units installed between 2023 and 2024. The United Arab Emirates continued its leadership with operational deployment at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, while Saudi Arabia advanced nuclear research facilities and implemented neutron detection systems at strategic ports and border crossings. Additional demand arose from North African nations participating in International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear security programs, resulting in around 200 new handheld detector units distributed to border agencies in the region. These regional trends illustrate a balanced and expanding global footprint for neutron detection equipment, with momentum expected to continue across all major geographies.

List of Top Neutron Detection Equipment Companies

Rhombus Power
Arktis Radiation Detectors
Silverside Detectors
Leidos
Symetrica Ltd
Mirion Technologies
Scientifica International
LND
Proportional Technologies
Kromek Group

Rhombus Power – Held approximately 3 %–5 % share of the neutron detection market in early 2025, deploying over 1 000 smart monitor units in critical infrastructure monitoring projects by Q1 2025.

Arktis Radiation Detectors – Accounted for roughly 10 %–12 % of market supply in late 2024. Released the M800 neutron detector in October 2023 and over 500 units installed globally by year‑end.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment momentum in neutron detection equipment has surged alongside the operational count of nuclear reactors. As of early 2025, 444 reactors were online and another 70 under construction—this reactor growth prompted over 8 500 neutron detection installations at plants by Q1 2025 and supports annual deployment of roughly 1 200 new perimeter monitoring detectors. Governments in Asia‑Pacific commissioned 25 new units by mid‑2024, spurring shipment of 2 500 fast neutron detectors to the region. Strategic investments have focused on helium‑free detection technologies. By end‑2024, 60 % of new units incorporated lithium or semiconductor sensors, up from 45 % in 2022. Total unit volume in such systems surpassed 7 500 in 2024, representing purchase orders valued at over USD 100 million worth of units (excluding revenue data) . This shift aligns with long-term funding initiatives from defense and nuclear agencies, redirecting at least 40 % of public R&D budgets toward helium‑free systems. Private equity channels directed approximately 120 new grants and contracts into technology startups focused on AI‑enabled neutron detection between 2023 and 2024. Urban detection networks have gained priority from municipal and transport authorities. In 2024 alone, around 2 000 neutron units were deployed in transit hubs across 10 major cities, with public‑sector capital expenditures exceeding USD 40 million for security upgrades. These installations often include integrated analytics platforms, contributing to demand for data‑centric hardware in tenders and proposals.

Opportunities also lie in medical and material science sectors: laboratory neutron imager shipments surpassed 1 100 units in 2023, and beam‑monitoring detectors for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) registered detection area deployments of nearly 0.08 m² (288mm × 288mm) in pilot studies by April 2023. Additionally, recent academic prototypes (e.g., lithium‑glass composites delivering 6.70 % intrinsic efficiency and 10.3 µs die‑away time) signal commercial viability and incoming product spin‑outs. Risk‑adjusted returns are becoming more appealing as materials like helium‑3 become scarce. Helium‑3 prices rose over 200 % since 2018 and stocks dropped 25 % below optimal levels by end‑2024, leaving opportunity for lithium‑ or semiconductor‑based vendors to capture approximately one‑third of raw‑material-dependent segments. In summary, investment trends highlight portfolio allocations toward digital and material innovation, public‑sector security spending, and healthcare and research market diversification—all underpinned by reactor expansion and resource constraints.

New Product Development

Innovation has accelerated through 2023–2025 in detection technology, encompassing hardware miniaturization, multi‑mode functionality, composite materials, and imaging integration. In October 2023, Arktis released the M800 neutron detector, a plug‑and‑play smart system. Over 500 M800 units were deployed within five months post‑launch for energy discrimination and portal‑monitor applications. Its optimized compact chassis weighs approximately 4 kg—15 % lighter than previous models—and includes dual neutron/gamma sensors, appealing to border‑security and mobile surveillance operators. Academic research introduced a ^6Li‑glass scintillator composite prototype in early 2025, achieving 6.70 % intrinsic detection efficiency and 10.3 µs die‑away time while suppressing gamma misidentification rates to near zero. This material innovation uses 6 600 cubes of 1.5 mm glass in a mineral‑oil matrix dispersed over a 70 mm × 260 mm tube, enabling flexible application in handheld devices and reactor simulation tools. In late 2024, a compact high‑energy neutron detector using EJ‑276 scintillator coupled with a single silicon photomultiplier was reported. The system reduced module weight by over 20 % and achieved a counting capacity exceeding 1 kHz, extending use for high‑flux industrial environments.

March 2025 saw the debut of a 62‑module CLLBC omnidirectional imager, integrating Scene Data Fusion to map neutron and gamma sources in 3D. Bench validation and field tests included simultaneous Cs‑137 and Cf‑252 detection, with full‑sphere coverage accuracy within 5° of directionality. This unit supports border patrol and nuclear remediation in confined spaces, weighing under 10 kg and deployable on drones or vehicles. In parallel, a micromegas‑based detector sized 288 mm × 288 mm was developed in April 2023 for BNCT applications. It delivered spatial resolution of 1.4 mm and sustained 94 kHz per channel in thermal/fast neutron environments, showing potential for real‑time beam monitoring. Advancements also include a thermal‑neutron event‑mode imaging system leveraging Timepix3 cameras. Reported in November 2024, this device achieved 16 µm spatial and 1.56 ns temporal resolution, converting thermal neutrons via LYSO crystals to imaging output with 4 % converter efficiency. These new products reflect converging trends toward lighter units (–15 % average weight), higher count‑rate capacity (+94 kHz), enhanced imaging resolution (≤16 µm), improved neutron/gamma separation, and omnidirectional sensing. Product development continues to align with security, healthcare, and industrial demands for reliable, compact, and intelligent neutron detection.

Five Recent Developments

Arktis M800 Launch (Oct 2023) – Deployed 500+ units globally in months, offering plug‑and‑play detection with enhanced portability and energy discrimination functions.
Lithium‑glass Composite Detector Prototype (early 2025) – Demonstrated 6.70 % efficiency and 10.3 µs die‑away; integrated 6 600 scintillator cubes in a 70 mm×260 mm assembly.
EJ‑276 + SiPM Compact High‑Energy Detector (late 2024) – Reduced unit weight by >20 %, exceeded 1 kHz count rates.
CLLBC Omnidirectional Imager (Mar 2025) – Combined 62 modules for full‑sphere mapping, validated using Cs‑137 and Cf‑252; deployed handheld and vehicle‑borne.
Micromegas BNCT Detector (Apr 2023) – 288 mm×288 mm unit reached 94 kHz/channel and 1.4 mm spatial resolution.

Report Coverage of Neutron Detection Equipment Market

This report delivers an extensive analysis of the global neutron detection equipment market, covering unit deployment trends, technology advancements, key application areas, and regional insights. The study tracks more than 12,500 neutron detector units in use globally as of late 2024, with segmented coverage across lithium large-area detectors, fast neutron detectors, scintillation neutron detectors, and semiconductor neutron detectors. The report evaluates the dominant role of nuclear power applications, which accounted for more than 8,500 reactor-site installations, while urban detection networks deployed approximately 2,000 units in 10 cities worldwide by mid-2024. Aerospace and defense applications absorbed more than 3,000 detector units in 2023–2024, while over 1,100 units were installed for research and industrial imaging. Regional performance analysis highlights that North America captured over 35% of global demand with more than 6,200 units installed in 2024, followed by Europe with approximately 3,000 units, Asia-Pacific with over 2,500 units driven by the addition of 25 new nuclear reactors, and the Middle East & Africa with nearly 800 new installations.

The report also investigates supply chain constraints, such as helium-3 shortages which increased raw material costs by over 200% since 2018 and delayed production of approximately 1,400 units by 2024. Market dynamics are explored, including the shift toward helium-free technologies—representing over 60% of new detector shipments by late 2024—and advancements in detection efficiency and miniaturization. Recent innovations such as lithium-glass composites achieving 6.70% intrinsic efficiency and 10.3 μs die-away time, and omnidirectional CLLBC imagers capable of full-sphere mapping, are detailed. The report provides insights into competitive positioning, with leading vendors like Mirion Technologies holding up to 26% market share, and regulatory impacts, with 55% of shipments affected by export controls and licensing delays averaging 120 days.