Mimac-FastN - A directional fast neutron spectrometer
- Details
Fast neutron detection and their energy measurement is complex, because neutrons are electrically neutral particles, so they can’t be detected directly.
Mimac-FastN is a tight enclosure filled with a neutral gas at roughly the atmospheric pressure, with non-flammable and not regulated matters (so no 3He, no high pressure, no hydrogen, that limit operation in some industrial areas).
Neutrons can interact with the detector gas nucleii. This interaction results in a nuclear recoil : there is a partial energy transfer from the incident neutron to the gas nucleus.
The detector has a very fast sampling camera (40 MHz). Thanks to this camera, the detector provides 3D pictures of the nuclear recoils’ tracks in the gas.
At the same time, the energy deposited in ionization by the nuclear recoil in the gas is measured.
From these two information, tracks and ionization energy, we can calculate the energy of the incident neutron.
Hereafter a drawing of the detection principle :
Developments of Mimac-FastN result from 15 years of gaseous detectors know-how. Some specificities are listed below :
1/ A low noise and fast electronics, that opens the 3D detection field with a good resolution.
2/ The acquisition software, that controls physical events triggers.
3/ The ability of reconstructing the nuclear recoils kinetic energy from the measurement of their ionization energy. This reconstruction is specific to each gazeous mixture, and evolves with ionization energy. The higher the neutron energy is, the higher is the impact of this parameter on the kinetic energy calculation of the incident neutron.
4/ The data analysis software, that allows the selection of the events to consider for the neutron spectrum reconstruction or for the neutron source location.
Mimac-FastN differentiates from existing technologies with its performance that is not limited to neutron counting but also allows their energy measurement, with its mobility, with the 3D approach that gives access to the discrimination of all the physical contributions, and with its directionnal feature.
The proof of concept has been conducted in monoenergetic neutron fields, with a small mobile prototype, with data acquisitions of 1 hour.
Use cases are currently explored, for applications as diverse as detection of fissile matter in radioactive waste, characterization of atmospheric neutrons, or neutron dose measurements in industrial areas using neutron sources.
Reference : Article published in the NIM journal : https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2020.163799
Nadine Sauzet : Scientific & technical responsible, simulations & data analysis
Olivier Guillaudin : Detector developments, micromegas & drift field cage
Marc Marton : 3D design, production & assembly
NRC - Cosmic Ray Levelmeter
- Details
For the Division Technique Générale (DTG) of Electricité De France (EDF), the SDI department has developed an instrument to acurately measure snow depth using cosmic rays attenuation. It allows evaluation and forecast of seasonal hydraulic flows, to optimize electricity production.
Olivier Guillaudin : Technical Manager, R&D and Test
Mohammed Chala : Test setup realization
Jean-François Muraz : Envelop and shielding design
Marc Marton : Test setup realization
CMCF - Low Currents Measurement Bench
- Details
In 2016, SDI designed and furnished a compact and mobile low currents (pA) measurement bench for the Ionising Radiations Dosimetry Laboratory (LDRI) of the Radioprotection and Nuclear Satefy Institute (IRSN).
- Bench design, instruments integration
- Control & command software developpment
- Electrical compliance
Olivier Zimmermann : Technical Manager, Control & Command
Rémi Faure : Control & Command
Mohammed Chala : Assembly and cabling
Jean-François Muraz : Design and material
Patrick Stassi : Project documentation