Nuclear-Optical Converters for Detecting Intense Neutron Fields

In the design of nuclear-optical converters (NOC) for detecting intense neutron fields (fluxes over 1015 cm–2·s–1), it is proposed to use hybrid gas ionization chambers (IC), in which electrical and optical neutron detecting methods are combined. For hybrid ICs, a technology is proposed for obtaining radiation-resistant and mechanically strong radiator materials capable of operating at temperatures of up to 1000 °C. This technology is based on solid-phase boron diffusion saturation of steel. It is shown that, at thermal neutron fluxes of 1×1010 n/(cm2·s) and higher, the integral intensity of argon luminescence as a result of ionization by α-particles and 7Li ions from layers of boride phases is sufficient for detection. The combination of optical and radiation properties of multicomponent fluoride glasses makes it possible to use them as condensed active substances of NOCs. Choosing the elemental and isotopic composition, it becomes possible to use fluoride glasses for multichannel neutron detection as well as to significantly simplify the procedure for separating gamma and neutron components of radiation under conditions of intense radiation fluxes. It has been experimentally shown that in irradiation with a neutron flux of 1×1017 n/(cm2·s), the intensity of Nd IR luminescence in glasses based on zirconium fluoride (ZBLAN) increases in the presence of Gd, which interacts with neutrons.