Inverted pockels cell electro-optic response to nuclear reactor pulsing

Kyle A. Nelson, Kevin R. Arpin, Jeffrey A. Geuther, James L. Neihart, Todd A. Riedel, Ronald A. Rojeski, Philip B. Ugorowski, Douglas S. McGregor

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A new method to detect neutron radiation based on an electro-optic Pockels cell is reported. Collimated laser light passes through a radiation-sensitive electro-optic Pockels cell crystal sandwiched between crossed polarizers and onto a light sensitive photodiode. As radiation interacts in the crystal, free charge carriers are generated and perturb the electric field in the crystal, thereby altering the light polarization and causing a change in light intensity passing through the Pockels cell/polarizer system. The device can detect a neutron flux as low as a few neutrons cm-2 s-1 with an upper saturation limit exceeding 1010 neutrons cm-2 s-1. The unique electro-optic system separates the processing electronics from the detecting sensor, thereby allowing for operation in high neutron flux environments..

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2011 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2011
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages4844-4847
Number of pages4
ISBN (Print)9781467301183
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2011
Event2011 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2011 - Valencia, Spain
Duration: Oct 23 2011Oct 29 2011

Publication series

NameIEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record
ISSN (Print)1095-7863

Other

Other2011 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2011
Country/TerritorySpain
CityValencia
Period10/23/1110/29/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Radiation
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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