You are here

Real-Time Fiber Optic Neutron Spectrometer

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-FG02-06ER84628
Agency Tracking Number: 80336S06-I
Amount: $99,972.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 27
Solicitation Number: DE-FG01-05ER05-28
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Matthew Palmer
 Dr.
 (540) 552-5128
 submissions@lunainnovations.co
Business Contact
 Wendy Williams
Title: Ms.
Phone: (540) 552-5128
Email: submissions@lunainnovations.co
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Improved neutron dosimetry is needed to assure the safety of nuclear power plants. However, real-time spectrometers for measuring neutron dose at specific energy levels do not exist. Instead, the current state of the art relies on some type of installed neutron absorber, which must be physically removed and analyzed to obtain the energy-level specific dose. The removal process typically requires the reactor to be shut down and, therefore, is costly and performed only infrequently. If a real-time spectrometer could be constructed that allowed energy-level specific measurements, then model predictions could be verified, and a more accurate assessment of reactor vessel health could be made. This project will develop a real-time, fiber-optic neutron spectrometer that can discriminate between neutron energy levels. The spectrometer will be able to be used independently, or integrated with other high-temperature pressure/temperature sensors under development. Phase I will involve a basic study into the effects of neutrons of selected energies on optical material properties of interest. In particular, dosimeter performance and design requirements will be identified, materials will be selected, and radiation testing will be conducted to verify the ability to distinguish between neutron-material interactions at selected energy levels. Phase II will focus on the implementation of a stand-alone neutron spectrometer with improved energy resolution. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The need for nuclear power is expected to increase as electric vehicles demand more power generation, and dependence on foreign oil and environmentally-destructive fuels become more politically undesirable. The real-time dosimeters should have application to existing and emerging nuclear reactors, particularly gas reactors and fast reactors where neutron energies are considerably higher than in light water reactors. These dosimeters will improve reactor safety through lifetime, structural health monitoring, and will reduce cost by eliminating the need for removal and analysis of installed dosimeters.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government