SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 2007
STP45476S

Neutron Damage in SiC Semiconductor Radiation Detectors in the GT-MHR

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As a part of a U.S. Department of Energy Nuclear Engineering Research Initiative (NERI) project, we are evaluating the potential for using silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor radiation detectors, operating in the pulse mode, as power monitors for gas turbine modular helium reactor (GT-MHR) [1]. Locations for the power monitors will be selected considering acceptable detector count rates and lifetimes. We have characterized the radiation environment at various locations in the GT-MHR, where detectors may be placed, in terms of the 1 MeV equivalent neutron flux in SiC (ϕeq, 1 MeV SiCTotal). Also, we have characterized the radiation field in beam part 1 (BP1) of the Ohio State University Research Reactor (OSURR) in these same terms, with the intent of correlating observed degradation of the SiC detectors in the OSURR to the degradation that can be expected for various detector locations in the GT-MHR. Comparing ϕeq, 1 MeV, SiCTotal for the GT-MHR and for the OSURR, we conclude that SiC devices cannot be adequately tested in the characterization vessel in OSURR BP1 for the radiation damage that would be incurred over a refueling cycle for detectors placed in-core. Also, we note that the radiation environment in the OSURR BP1 is harder than the radiation environment in the GT-MHR.

Author Information

Blue, T., E.
The Ohio State University, Nuclear Engineering Program, Columbus, OH
Lohan, B.
Westinghouse Electric Company, Monroeville, PA
Khorsandi, B.
The Ohio State University, Nuclear Engineering Program, Columbus, OH
Miller, D., W.
The Ohio State University, Nuclear Engineering Program, Columbus, OH
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Details
Developed by Committee: E10
Pages: 459–466
DOI: 10.1520/STP45476S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-6242-6
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-3412-6