Investigation of CVD‐Diamond Detectors for Neutron Radiation Monitoring

Mareena Robinson, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Neutron detection is a fundamental component of nuclear reactor power monitoring. Paramount in this component is a detector’s ability to perform in harsh environments. The ideal detector would be radiation- and temperature-resistant for reliable performance near a reactor core, compact for easy positioning, and have a sensitivity to both thermal and fast neutrons. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD)‐diamond detectors offer these desired qualities: wide temperature range (5.5‐eV band gap), radiation hard (intrinsic material hardness), fast response time (high mobility of charge carriers), compact volume (microelectronic fabrication), low inherent noise (high reaction Q‐value), and low operating voltage. The purpose of this research is to explore the use of CVD-diamond detectors for in‐core reactor experiment monitoring at Idaho National Laboratory’s Advanced Test Reactor (ATR). Neutron efficiency measurements are presented as a preliminary step toward understanding the performance of these detectors.

Abstract Author(s): M. Robinson, D.L. Chichester