Neutron Detection via Bubble Chambers
The results of a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) exploratory research project investigating the feasibility of fast neutron detection using a suitably prepared and operated, pressure-cycled bubble chamber are described. The research was conducted along two parallel paths. Experiments with a slow pressure-release Halon chamber at the Enrico Fermi Institute at the University of Chicago showed clear bubble nucleation sensitivity to an AmBe neutron source and insensitivity to the 662 keV gammas from a 137Cs source. Bubble formation was documented via high-speed (1000 frames/sec) photography, and the acoustic signature of bubble formation was detected using a piezo-electric transducer element mounted on the base of the chamber. The chamber’s neutron sensitivity as a function of working fluid temperature was mapped out. The second research path consisted of the design, fabrication, and testing of a fast pressure-release Freon-134a chamber at PNNL. The project concluded with successful demonstrations of the PNNL chamber’s AmBe neutron source sensitivity and 137Cs gamma insensitivity. The source response tests of the PNNL chamber were documented with high-speed photography.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 887380
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-41893; NN2001000; TRN: US0604244
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 8th International Conference on Applications of Nuclear Techniques. IN: Applied Radiation Isotopes, 63(5-6):645-653
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Effects of coolant volatility on simulated HCDA bubble expansions. Technical report No. 10
Evaluating the BD-100R [Bubble Technology Industries] as a neutron spectrometer through pressure variation
Related Subjects
ACOUSTICS
BUBBLE CHAMBERS
BUBBLES
DETECTION
FABRICATION
FAST NEUTRONS
NEUTRON DETECTION
NEUTRON SOURCES
NEUTRONS
NUCLEATION
PHOTOGRAPHY
PRESSURE RELEASE
SENSITIVITY
TESTING
TRANSDUCERS
WORKING FLUIDS
Neutron
Bubble nucleation
Bubble chamber
Superheated fluids