Nuclear reactivity control using laser induced polarization

Patent · Tue Dec 11 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:5780583

Bowman, C D

This patent describes a control element for reactivity control of a fission source provides an atomic density of {sup 3}He in a control volume which is effective to control criticality as the {sup 3}He is spin-polarized. Spin-polarization of the {sup 3}He affects the cross section of the control volume for fission neutrons and hence, the reactivity. An irradiation source is directed within the {sup 3}He for spin-polarizing the {sup 3}He. An alkali-metal vapor may be included with the {sup 3}He where a laser spin-polarizes the alkali-metal atoms which in turn, spin-couple with {sup 3}He to spin-polarize the {sup 3}He atoms.

• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (USA)
• Patent Number(s): US 4976911; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-357248
• OSTI ID: 5780583
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 26 May 1989
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
CONTROL ELEMENTS
LASER RADIATION
HELIUM
POLARIZATION
ALKALI METALS
CONTROL
REACTIVITY
SPIN
ANGULAR MOMENTUM
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
METALS
NONMETALS
PARTICLE PROPERTIES
RADIATIONS
RARE GASES
REACTOR COMPONENTS
220400* - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Control Systems