Solid state neutron detector array
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
InventorsJohn G. Seidel, Frank H. Ruddy, Charles D. Brandt, Abdul R. Dulloo, Randy G. Lott, Ernest Sirianni, Randall O. Wilson
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Abstract
A neutron detector array is capable of measuring a wide range of neutron fluxes. The array includes multiple semiconductor neutron detectors. Each detector has a semiconductor active region that is resistant to radiation damage. In one embodiment, the array preferably has a relatively small size, making it possible to place the array in confined locations. The ability of the array to detect a wide range of neutron fluxes is highly advantageous for many applications such as detecting neutron flux during start up, ramp up and full power of nuclear reactors.
Claims23
A neutron detector array comprising a plurality of semiconductor neutron detectors and means for processing signals from selected semiconductor neutron detectors of the array depending on the level of neutron flux received by the array.
A method of detecting neutron fluxes comprising:
- placing a neutron detector array comprising a plurality of semiconductor neutron detectors in a neutron flux field;
- receiving electronic pulses from the neutron detector array;
- and
- processing signals from selected semiconductor neutron detectors of the array depending on the level of neutron flux received by the array.
A method of detecting neutron fluxes comprising:
- placing a neutron detector array comprising a plurality of semiconductor neutron detectors in a neutron flux field;
- receiving electronic pulses from the neutron detector array;
- and
- sampling different detectors of the array to determine whether an individual detector has failed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.