  Neutron scattering techniques offer a unique combination of structural and
the dynamic information of atomic and molecular systems over a wide range of
distances and times. The increasing complexity in science investigations driven
by technological advances is reflected in the studies of neutron scattering
science, which enforces a diversification and an improvement of experimental
tools, from the instrument design to the detector performance. It calls as well
for more advanced data analysis and modelling. The improvements in resolution,
count rate and signal-to-background ratio, achievable with the new
instrumentations, also drive the research of alternative technologies to
replace the 3He-based detector technology unable to fulfil the requirement of
increasing performance. Two solution have been studied: a boron-10-based
gaseous detector, the Multi-Blade and a solid-state Si-Gd detector. Both
solution are suitable alternatives for neutron detection, able to meet the
demands of high performance. It has been shown not only the technical
characteristic of the devices, but how the science can profit from the better
performance of these new detector technologies in real experimental condition.
