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Title: Simulation of high-pressure micro-capillary 3He counters

Journal Article · · Journal of Physics. G, Nuclear and Particle Physics
 [1];  [1];  [1]
  1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Low-pressure (1–4 atm) cylindrical 3He counters are widely used as neutron detectors. These detectors are relatively large (1–2.5 cm diameter) and can be subject to noise induced by microphonics. Meanwhile, new advancements in micro-fabrication are enabling the manufacture of high-pressure (over 3000 atm) micro-capillaries (~100 µm diameter). Can these micro-capillaries be used as accurate and high-efficiency 3He counters? To answer these questions, we have developed a mathematical model/computer simulation. Our model shows that such capillaries have the potential for being high-efficiency neutron spectrometers capable of resolving not only energy, but also angle of incidence for fixed sources. Finally, we benchmark the model against published results and extrapolate spectra to the pressures of interest.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1426965
Report Number(s):
SAND-2007-1296J; 526741
Journal Information:
Journal of Physics. G, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Vol. 35, Issue 11; ISSN 0954-3899
Publisher:
IOP PublishingCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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