Optical gamma thermometer
An optical gamma thermometer includes a metal mass having a temperature proportional to a gamma flux within a core of a nuclear reactor, and an optical fiber cable for measuring the temperature of the heated metal mass. The temperature of the heated mass may be measured by using one or more fiber grating structures and/or by using scattering techniques, such as Raman, Brillouin, and the like. The optical gamma thermometer may be used in conjunction with a conventional reactor heat balance to calibrate the local power range monitors over their useful in-service life. The optical gamma thermometer occupies much less space within the in-core instrument tube and costs much less than the conventional gamma thermometer.
- Research Organization:
- GE Global Research, Niskayuna, New York (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC07-07ID14778
- Assignee:
- General Electric Company (Niskayuna, NY)
- Patent Number(s):
- 8,503,599
- Application Number:
- 12/259,931
- OSTI ID:
- 1089396
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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