Intelligent III-V GaN based neutron flux detector array

Nuclear power plant (NPP) operators require accurate and timely information to maintain safe and efficient operation. Accurate and timely measurement of nuclear reactor neutron flux density is critical to monitoring and controlling the nuclear reaction process.The current state-of-the-art in nuclear reactor neutron flux density monitoring centers on in-core metal SPNDs or gas-filled fission chambers for in-core measurements (usually at a single remote location) and additional neutron detectors, such as fission or ion chambers in various ex-core locations. Current drawbacks with this status quo include: (1) Accuracy suffers due to the SPND sensitivity to both neutrons and gamma rays; (2) Gaps in neutron flux density measurements. Gaps in the flux density field surrounding the core and at specific distances from the core, require interpolation of values that results in measurement inaccuracies; (3) Relatively slow response of SPND ranging from seconds to minutes, times which are characteristically ill suited for safety monitoring; (4) Large volume (large form factor), usually much longer than 10 centimeters for fission chambers. This limits where detectors can be placed; (5) Highly enriched fissile materials are required for fission chambers. This proposal seeks to advance the state-of-the-art in neutron flux density measurement by proposing the development of an intelligent III-V GaN-based neutron flux detector array. This sensor array would augment the current in-core detectors. Phase I will develop a “small” array configuration of multiple detectors that will prove the concept. Detailed advantages of the proposed technology will be measured in a test nuclear reactor setting. This can later be scaled to fully envelope the reactor core as part of Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits:AAT believe that the core technology developed as part of the Phase I and Phase II efforts will be directly applicable to superior, low power radiation detection via widely distributed semi-conductor detectors. There is a broad market that a modified version of a low power radiation detector array can serve. Use cases in boarder security and smart city security are very much in line with the potential of the proposed technology.