Gamma-Free Neutron Detector Based upon Lithium Phosphate Nanoparticles
A gamma-free neutron-sensitive scintillator is needed to enhance radiaition sensing and detection for nonproliferation applications. Such a scintillator would allow very large detectors to be placed at the perimeter of spent-fuel storage facilities at commercial nuclear power plants, so that any movement of spontaneously emitted neutrons from spent nuclear fuel or weapons grade plutonium would be noted in real-time. This task is to demonstrate that the technology for manufacturing large panels of fluor-doped plastic containing lithium-6 phosphate nanoparticles can be achieved. In order to detect neutrons, the nanoparticles must be sufficiently small so that the plastic remains transparent. In this way, the triton and alpha particles generated by the capture of the neutron will result in a photon burst that can be coupled to a wavelength shifting fiber (WLS) producing an optical signal of about ten nanoseconds duration signaling the presence of a neutron emitting source.
- Research Organization:
- Neutron Sciences, Inc.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- ER
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-06ER84637
- OSTI ID:
- 913098
- Report Number(s):
- ER84637; TRN: US0800647
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
ALPHA PARTICLES
DETECTION
FIBERS
LITHIUM 6
LITHIUM PHOSPHATES
MANUFACTURING
NEUTRON DETECTORS
NEUTRONS
NUCLEAR FUELS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PHOSPHATES
PHOSPHORS
PHOTONS
PLASTICS
PLUTONIUM
PROLIFERATION
STORAGE FACILITIES
SPENT FUELS
lithium phosphate nanopaticeles
neutron detection