A new 2D-micromegas detector for neutron beam diagnostic at n_TOF

A novel detector for 2D neutron beam diagnostic has been jointly developed by CERN and CEA in the framework of the n\_TOF Collaboration for investigation of the neutron beam spatial characteristics, namely position and profile as a function of the neutron energy. The detector is based on the already established MicroMegas ``Bulk{''} technology and has been evolved from the one used for the CAST (CERN Axion Solar Telescope) experiment but equipped with an appropriate neutron/charged particle converter for neutron detection. The experimental results obtained in the 2009 commissioning run of the n\_TOF facility and a comparison with simulations performed by means of FLUKA code are given, together with future perspectives and possible applications for this original type of neutron detector