Design and irradiation test of an innovative optical ionization chamber technology

To provide future dependable neutron flux monitoring instrumentation for sodium-cooled fast reactors (SFR) of Generation-IV, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is investigating the applicability of an innovative technology based on the optical signal produced within any type of ionization chambers such as fission chambers for instance. A mock-up of that innovative neutron detector was tested on a cold-neutron beamline at the ORPHEE nuclear facility. Experimental results regarding recovery time and detection efficiency showed promising possibilities for neutron instrumentation.