Simulation of high-pressure micro-capillary ³He counters

Journal Article · Fri Sep 26 00:00:00 EDT 2008 · Journal of Physics. G, Nuclear and Particle Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1088/0954-3899/35/11/115103· OSTI ID:1426965

Martin, Shawn Bryan ^[1]; Chandler, Gordon ^[1]; Derzon, Mark Steven ^[1]

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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 Laboratories (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, Journal Name: Journal of Physics. G, Nuclear and Particle Physics Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 35; ISSN 0954-3899
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS