Comprehensive review of neutron techniques, detection, and dosimetry in science and technology

Neutrons, owing to their charge neutrality and distinctive interaction cross sections, have evolved into indispensable probes across scientific and technological domains. This review consolidates contemporary progress in neutron-based techniques, from imaging and activation to scattering, spectroscopy, and dosimetry, highlighting their complementary advantages and emerging frontiers. Neutron radiography and tomography now provide high-resolution, non-destructive 2D and 3D visualization of internal structures, bridging diagnostic gaps left by X-ray methods. Activation-based approaches such as neutron activation analysis and depth profiling continue to deliver quantitative, multi-element, and depth-resolved information critical for forensics, environmental, and semiconductor research. Advanced scattering and spectroscopy techniques, particularly time-of-flight and spin-echo methods, reveal atomic-scale dynamics and magnetic ordering with exceptional precision. Parallel advancements in detector and dosimeter technologies mark a paradigm shift toward compact, semiconductor- and scintillator-based systems with improved efficiency, radiation hardness, and scalability. Emerging materials, including diamond, SiC, GaN, h-BN, and hybrid perovskites, demonstrate transformative potential for high-temperature and mixed-field neutron environments. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in signal discrimination, dose prediction, and circuit optimization introduces adaptive, self-calibrating capabilities and accelerates data processing. By bridging fundamental neutron–matter interactions with materials innovation and AI-driven analytics, this review outlines the trajectory toward next-generation, intelligent neutron detection systems tailored for precision science, medical therapy, and nuclear safety.