In the heart of Slovenia, nestled within the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI), a groundbreaking experiment is pushing the boundaries of nuclear detection technology. Researchers, led by Valero Valentin from Aix-Marseille University, have been harnessing the power of Silicon Carbide (SiC) to create detectors that can withstand the harsh conditions inside nuclear reactors. Their work, recently published in the European Physical Journal Nuclear Sciences & Technologies, promises to revolutionize how we measure and monitor nuclear facilities, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The team’s focus is on 4H-SiC-based detectors, developed in collaboration with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). These detectors are designed to provide high-precision measurements of neutron and photon fluxes, as well as nuclear heating rates, in the extreme conditions found in the core of nuclear reactors. “Accurate online in-core parameter measurements are essential for both fusion and fission applications,” Valentin explains. “Our detectors aim to address the challenges posed by these extreme environments and provide the data needed for advanced nuclear facilities.”
The experiment took place in the Triangular Irradiation Channel (TIC) of the JSI’s TRIGA Mark II research reactor. Here, the team used two types of diodes: one with a Neutron Converter Layer (NCL) of Boron-10 for thermal neutron detection, and another without NCL to discriminate between thermal and fast neutrons. By analyzing the data from these detectors, the researchers could study the influence of various factors, such as bias voltage, NCL, and neutron fluence, on detector performance.
One of the most striking findings was the detectors’ ability to withstand incredibly high neutron fluxes and fluences. The highest neutron flux reached was 1.2 × 10^13 cm^-2·s^-1, and the highest fluence was 1.2 × 10^17 cm^-2. These figures are a testament to the robustness of SiC-based detectors and their potential for use in the most demanding nuclear environments.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? The ability to accurately measure in-core parameters in real-time could lead to significant improvements in nuclear reactor safety and efficiency. For instance, precise measurements of neutron fluxes could help optimize reactor operations, reducing downtime and increasing power output. Moreover, these detectors could play a crucial role in the development of advanced nuclear technologies, such as fusion reactors, which require precise control and monitoring of nuclear reactions.
The commercial impacts could be substantial. Nuclear energy providers could benefit from reduced operational costs and improved safety records, making nuclear power a more attractive option in the quest for clean, sustainable energy. Furthermore, the development of advanced nuclear technologies could open up new markets and create jobs in the energy sector.
Valentin and his team’s work is not just about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in nuclear detection. It’s about shaping the future of the energy sector, making nuclear power safer, more efficient, and more attractive. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy security, this research offers a glimpse of a future where nuclear power plays a pivotal role in our energy mix.
The study, published in the European Physical Journal Nuclear Sciences & Technologies, is a significant step forward in the field of nuclear detection. As Valentin puts it, “Our detectors are designed to provide the high-precision measurements needed for advanced nuclear facilities. We believe that our work will contribute to the development of safer, more efficient nuclear reactors and pave the way for the next generation of nuclear technologies.” The future of nuclear energy is looking brighter, one detector at a time.