Heavy-ions induced scintillation experiments

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A:

2021

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In the frame of dependable neutron ux instrumentation development for Generation IV reactors, the French Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) investigates an innovative technology based on optical signal produced within a ssion chamber. In such gaseous detectors, neutrons interact with ssile material, releasing heavy ions in the MeV range, eventually leading to spontaneous photons emission in the ultraviolet to infrared range. We hereby present the space-time evolution of heavy-ion slowing-down tracks parameters in noble gases, as computed with the SCENA radiation-induced cold-plasma simulation tool.Preliminary results on excited-states noble-gas population dynamic are reported.Population of upper-lying gas levels is completed within picoseconds, only micrometers behind the projectile ionization trail.

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Simulation of heavy-ion slowing-down tracks with the SCENA code

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A:

2021

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“…The French Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) proposes a new generation of neutron detector for neutron ux monitoring of a sodiumcooled fast reactor [15].This innovative neutron detector is based on the luminescence of rare gases [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Design and irradiation test of an innovative optical ionization chamber technology

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A:

2020

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To provide future dependable neutron ux monitoring instrumentation for sodiumcooled fast reactors (SFR) of Generation-IV, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is investigating the applicability of an innovative technology based on the optical signal produced within any type of ionization chambers such as ssion chambers for instance. A mock-up of that innovative neutron detector was tested on a cold-neutron beamline at the ORPHEE nuclear facility. Experimental results regarding recovery time and detection eciency showed promising possibilities for neutron instrumentation.

SCENA: A simulation tool for radiation-induced gas scintillation

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A:

2020

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Within the framework of the dependable neutron ux instrumentation development for Sodium-cooled Fast Reactor (SFR) of Generation IV, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is investigating an innovative technology based on optical signals produced within an ionization chamber. In such gaseous detectors, neutrons interact with a ssile material, releasing heavy ions in the MeV-range, eventually leading to spontaneous photon emission in the ultraviolet to infrared range. In this paper, the process of light generation is analyzed through a newly-developed computer code named SCENA. Semi-empirical models for ion-to-gas energy exchange and secondary electron production are assessed. The output of the SCENA subroutines are satisfactory checked against other electron swarm simulation tools, experimental data and a theoretical gas model. SCENA is able to follow the cold-plasma created along a heavy ion slowing-down in space and time evolution. This performance is a key point in the development of optical ionization chambers.