Development of an Optimized Converter Layer for a Silicon-Carbide-Based Neutron Sensor for the Detection of Fissionable Materials

Monk, Stephen and Platt, Simon and Cheneler, David and Anderson, Mike and Alhamdi, Mustafa (2019) Development of an Optimized Converter Layer for a Silicon-Carbide-Based Neutron Sensor for the Detection of Fissionable Materials. In: 2019 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2019 :. IEEE, GBR. ISBN 9781728141640

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Abstract

We describe the early stage development of a miniature silicon carbide neutron sensor, for applications including robotic monitoring at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, specifically, within the primary containment vessel for fuel debris detection and retrieval. Monte Carlo simulations using MCNP 6.2 and Geant4 10.05.01 are used to investigate and optimize converter layers for thermal neutron detection. Performance of a 10B4C:SiC detector system is investigated in detail and a neutron detection efficiency ∼4% is predicted, with a gamma discrimination ratio of the order of 105.