Prediction and experimental confirmation of the response function for neutron detection using superheated drops

Journal Article · Tue Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Phys. Rev. A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.38.5260· OSTI ID:6741812

Lo, Y; Apfel, R E

Neutrons can be detected with a suspension of superheated drops in an immiscible and compliant holding medium. The mechanism of this radiation-induced bubble nucleation has been studied. A model to predict the minimum neutron energy required to nucleate a vapor bubble in superheated liquids has previously been reported (R.E. Apfel, S. C. Roy, and Y.-C. Lo, Phys. Rev. A 31, 3194 (1985)). Now, the energy-dependent response function for the detector has been calculated based on the model and a detailed consideration of the possible interactions of neutrons with superheated materials. The response of the detector has been measured with monoenergetic neutrons (from 0.025 eV to 14 MeV) at facilities of the National Bureau of Standards and the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility at the Nevis Laboratories of Columbia University. The experimental results agree reasonably well with that of the calculations.

• Research Organization: Yale University, P.O. Box 2159, Yale Station, New Haven, Connecticut 06520
• OSTI ID: 6741812
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. A; (United States) Vol. 38:10; ISSN PLRAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440104* -- Radiation Instrumentation-- High Energy Physics Instrumentation
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BUBBLE GROWTH
DETECTION
DROPLETS
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLUIDS
FUNCTIONS
HEATING
LIQUIDS
NEUTRON DETECTION
NUCLEATION
PARTICLES
RADIATION DETECTION
RESPONSE FUNCTIONS
SUPERHEATING
THERMAL SPIKES