Characterization of a neutron detector based on superheated drops

Thesis/Dissertation · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6947343

Lo, Y C

The mechanism of radiation-induced bubble nucleation was studied. A model to predict the minimum neutron energy to nucleate a vapor bubble in superheated liquids was established and tested. The energy-dependent response function for the detector was calculated, based on the model and a detailed consideration of all possible interactions of neutrons with superheated materials. A technique of generating uniform-sized superheated drops suspended in a viscous liquid was developed. Characteristics of the acoustic waves generated when the superheated drops boil explosively were studied. Electronic circuitry was designed and tested to detect the acoustic waves mentioned above. The response of the detector was calibrated with monoenergetic neutrons (from 0.025 eV up to 14 MeV) at facilities of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) and the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF) at the Nevis Laboratories of Columbia University. Fission-spectrum neutrons (Cf-252, bare and 15 cm D/sub 2/O moderated) at NBS were used as well. Experimental results agree reasonably well with that of calculations. This work not only permits us to understand better the radiation-matter interaction, but also is applicable to design of a new kind of more-sensitive neutron detector.

• Research Organization: Yale Univ., New Haven, CT (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6947343
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440101* -- Radiation Instrumentation-- General Detectors or Monitors & Radiometric Instruments
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BUBBLES
DROPLETS
FUNCTIONS
HEATING
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NEUTRON DETECTORS
NUCLEAR SUPERHEATING
NUCLEATION
PARTICLES
RADIATION DETECTORS
RESPONSE FUNCTIONS
SENSITIVITY
SUPERHEATING