Development of a neutron yield measurement system utilizing BF₃ detectors on the HL-3 tokamak

A neutron yield measurement system, comprising five BF3 proportional counters with excellent n/gamma discrimination capabilities, has been meticulously developed and implemented on the HL-3 tokamak to provide time-resolved assessments of neutron emission rates. The size of moderator, optimized for the flat energy responses, was skillfully simulated and designed using the MCNP code. An in-depth analysis of measurement errors stemming from pile-up phenomena determined that the upper limit of the count rate, under the current electronics design, is 131 kcps with a relative error of less than 20%. Drawing from the pulse amplitude spectrum obtained from a Cf-252 neutron source and experimentation on the HL-3 tokamak, the amplitude threshold for the BF3 neutron detector systems was judiciously established. Furthermore, it was conclusively affirmed that the neutron yield measurement system possesses the capability to effectively discriminate between neutron and gamma signals. During HL-3 discharges, deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutrons were reliably detected with a temporal resolution of 10 ms, and the variations in neutron count rates was found to be in alignment with the neutral beam injection. Ultimately, the total neutron yield was successfully estimated through the utilization of count rates from four BF3 detectors, thereby validating the robust performance of the neutron yield measurement system.