Electrometric sensors for neutron radiation: conceptual study

Abstract

The paper considers main issues related to the conceptual development of neutron electrometric sensors based on charge uploading. The performance capabilities of sensors such as the detection threshold, dynamic range and sensitivity to gamma radiation were estimated for theoretically feasible designs. The designs do not contain radioactive materials, have no limitations on the fluence and the neutron flux density, can measure the time dependence of the neutron yield, can be low-sensitive to electromagnetic noise. They have a simple structure and some designs do not require the external power supply. Such sensors can be used in the control systems of nuclear reactors and subcritical assemblies, in measurements of the neutron yield of pulsed sources and in scientific investigations.