Low Voltage He3-Filled Proportional Counter for Efficient Detection of Thermal and Epithermal Neutrons

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1717994· OSTI ID:4805473

Mills, William R.; Caldwell, Richard L.; Morgan, Ira L.

Neutron counters using He³ gas at absolute pressures up to 10 atm were constructed and tested. The relative detection efficiency for thermal, epicadmium, and fast neutrons was measured as a function of pressure from 1 to 10 atm and compared with similar data from a boron trifluoride counter of the same size filled to a pressure of 65 cm of B¹⁰F₃ gas. The ratio He³/ BF₃ increases approximately linearly with pressure for epicadmium and fast neutrons, reaehing values of 26.6 and 21.6, respectively, at 10 atm He³ pressure. This ratio shows a saturation effect for pressure. The gamma-ray response was found to be low with proper pulse shaping. High voltage plateau curves for 3- and 7atm counters are given and indicate operating regions at least 100 v wide at a counter high voltage of about 1200 v.

• Research Organization: Socony Mobil Oil Co., Inc., Dallas, Tex.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-16-029168
• OSTI ID: 4805473
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Journal Name: Review of Scientific Instruments Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 33; ISSN 0034-6748; ISSN RSINAK
• Publisher: American Institute of Physics (AIP)
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION
BORON 10
BORON FLUORIDES
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
EPITHERMAL NEUTRONS
FAST NEUTRONS
GAMMA RADIATION
HELIUM 3
NEUTRON DETECTION
PRESSURE
PROPORTIONAL COUNTERS
THERMAL NEUTRONS