University of California

Triad National Security, LLC

Michael Browne

Kiril Dimitrov Ianakiev

Martyn Thomas Swinhoe

Metodi Iliev

Sin Tao Hsue

Jeffrey M Audia

Adrienne LaFleur

Improved, high count rate thermal neutron counters and electronics enabling new, higher measurement capabilities are disclosed. Next generationHe andB tubes may include an electronics package capable of operating at higher count rates and in higher gamma fields and providing more efficient use ofHe gas. Conventional detector systems may also be upgraded, providing a possible solution to measure spent nuclear fuel with high neutron efficiency previously not possible inU fission counter systems. Switching the number of tubes per amplifier allows use of the measured nuclear material for a calibration standard for dead time correction, increasing accuracy of neutron measurements systems. An optimized detector geometry and advanced electronics with double pulse filtering and a dual channel readout may be provided. A bipolar shaper may improve dead time, provide efficient detector use, reduce double pulsing, facilitate high count rate measurements, and allow remote threshold setting.

High count rate thermal neutron detectors and electronics

The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for temperature correction and count rate expansion of inorganic scintillation detectors. A temperature sensor is attached to an inorganic scintillation detector. The inorganic scintillation detector, due to interaction with incident radiation, creates light pulse signals. A photoreceiver processes the light pulse signals to current signals. Temperature correction circuitry that uses a fast light component signal, a slow light component signal, and the temperature signal from the temperature sensor to corrected an inorganic scintillation detector signal output and expanded the count rate.

Apparatus and method for temperature correction and expanded count rate of inorganic scintillation detectors

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Los Alamos, NM, United States of America

Michael Browne