Nuclear particle track identification in inorganic solids
Nuclear particle track identification in inorganic dielectric glasses
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Nuclear particle track identification in inorganic dielectric glasses
Cosmic radiation investigation by nuclear particle tracks in meteorites and tektites
The relations between signal shaping, noise, and timing resolution in nuclear particle detection systems are examined in this paper. Mathematical analysis of five commonly used types of filters leads to numerical results for system noise components arising from sources in the preamplifier, detector, and bias resistors. These results are presented in the form of design curves for the various filters, showing the dependence of each output noise component on both the magnitude of the noise sources and the filter time constants. Three of the filters considered are simple RC types; the remaining two are combinations of delay lines and RC elements. The quantitative calculations specifically assume a silicon detector and a field-effect-transistor preamplifier. Those filters that exhibit bipolar step response are analyzed in terms of crossover timing resolution, based on the earlier noise calculations. Again, the results are summarized in sets of design curves for each filter. Finally, the comparative performance of the various filter types is discussed, and specific examples are given.
The design of the nuclear particle detector located in Purdue University's Get Away Special package which was flown aboard STS-7 is detailed. The experiment consisted of a stack of particle-detecting polymer sheets. The sheets show positive results of tracks throughout the block. A slide of each sheet was made for further analysis. Recommendations for similar experiments performed in the future are discussed.
PDP-8 computer interface used with detector system for charged particle nuclear physics experiments
Papers on real-time computer applications in nuclear, particle, and plasma physics are presented, covering topics such as expert systems tactics in testing FASTBUS segment interconnect modules, trigger control in a high energy physcis experiment, the FASTBUS read-out system for the Aleph time projection chamber, a multiprocessor data acquisition systems, DAQ software architecture for Aleph, a VME multiprocessor system for plasma control at the JT-60 upgrade, and a multiasking, multisinked, multiprocessor data acquisition front end. Other topics include real-time data reduction using a microVAX processor, a transputer based coprocessor for VEDAS, simulation of a macropipelined multi-CPU event processor for use in FASTBUS, a distributed VME control system for the LISA superconducting Linac, a distributed system for laboratory process automation, and a distributed system for laboratory process automation. Additional topics include a structure macro assembler for the event handler, a data acquisition and control system for Thomson scattering on ATF, remote procedure execution software for distributed systems, and a PC-based graphic display real-time particle beam uniformity.
This presentation covers newly developed SAMMY module for inverse channel transformation. Additionally covered is the R-matrix analysis of 7 Be compound nucleus and the R-matrix analysis of 17 O compound nucleus. Further touched on is the evaluated Nuclear Data File generation and processing with the AMPX code. The presentation concludes with talks on future evaluation work and tests on light nuclei.
Abstract not provided.
Theory, fabrication, and electric properties of lithium drifted silicon radiation detector with large sensitive volume
Experiments with accelerated helium ions were performed in an effort to localize the site of initial radiation interactions in the eye that lead to light flash observations by astronauts during spaceflight. The character and efficiency of helium ion induction of visual sensations depended on the state of dark adaptation of the retina; also, the same events were seen with different efficiencies and details when particle flux density changed. It was concluded that fast particles cause interactions in the retina, particularly in the receptor layer, and thus give rise to the sensations of light flashes, streaks, and supernovae.
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A monolithic preamplifier-postamplifier combination has been developed for use with solid state particle detectors. The direct coupled amplifiers employ interdigitated n-channel JFET's, diodes, and diffused resistors. The circuits developed demonstrate the feasibility of matching the performance of existing discrete component designs. The fabrication procedures for the monolithic amplifier fabrication are presented and the results of measurements on a limited number of sample amplifiers are given.
Track investigations of feldspars and pyroxenes in Luna 24 soils indicate that most of the grains resided within millimeters of the lunar surface. The two deepest samples appear to be less mature than the upper ones. Lack of correlation between tracks, agglutinates, and I sub S/FeO is puzzling and unique.
The Transport Collaboration, consisting of researchers from institutions in France, Germany, Italy, and the USA, has established a program to make new measurements of nuclear interaction cross sections for heavy projectiles (Z greater than or equal to 2) in targets of liquid H2, He and heavier materials. Such cross sections directly affect calculations of galactic and solar cosmic ray transport through matter and are needed for accurate radiation hazard assessment. To date, the collaboration has obtained data using the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Bevalac HISS facility with 20 projectiles from He-4 to Ni-58 in the energy range 393-910 MeV/nucleon. Preliminary results from the analysis of these data are presented here and compared to other measurements and to cross section prediction formulae.
Tristructural isotropic (TRISO) nuclear fuel particles contain a layered spherical shell designed to retain fission products; however, failure occurs in rare cases—commonly initiated in the porous pyrocarbon buffer layer. Achieving a comprehensive understanding of the buffer-initiated failure mechanisms requires detailed characterization of the buffer porosity and its heterogeneous distribution across multiple length scales. Here we performed FIB-SEM tomography across the buffer layer thickness (~100 µm) to produce 3D reconstructions of the buffer microstructure with 50 nm spatial resolution. We found an average overall porosity of ~14%, which does not solely account for the low density of the buffer (50% of the theoretical density). Additionally, the local porosity and its fluctuation increase from the kernel interface towards the inner pyrocarbon (IPyC) layer, which we attribute to the chemical vapor deposition process conditions during the TRISO particle fabrication. Detailed characterization of the porous microstructure—including analysis of the pore size, distribution, shape, and orientation—provides insight into the process-structure-property-performance relations of TRISO nuclear fuel particles and will inform multiscale models designed to predict the failure of TRISO particles under irradiation.
The particle-bed core offers mitigation of some of the problems of solid-core nuclear rocket reactors. Dividing the fuel elements into small spherical particles contained in a cylindrical bed through which the propellant flows radially, may reduce the thermal stress in the fuel elements, allowing higher propellant temperatures to be reached. The high temperature regions of the reactor are confined to the interior of cylindrical fuel assemblies, so most of the reactor can be relatively cool. This enables the use of structural and moderating materials which reduce the minimum critical size and mass of the reactor. One of the unresolved questions about this concept is whether the flow through the particle-bed will be well behaved, or will be subject to destructive flow instabilities. Most of the recent analyses of the stability of the particle-bed reactor have been extensions of the approach of Bussard and Delauer, where the bed is essentially treated as an array of parallel passages, so that the mass flow is continuous from inlet to outlet through any one passage. A more general three dimensional model of the bed is adopted, in which the fluid has mobility in three dimensions. Comparison of results of the earlier approach to the present one shows that the former does not accurately represent the stability at low Re. The more complete model presented should be capable of meeting this deficiency while accurately representing the effects of the cold and hot frits, and of heat conduction and radiation in the particle-bed. It can be extended to apply to the cylindrical geometry of particle-bed reactors without difficulty. From the exemplary calculations which were carried out, it can be concluded that a particle-bed without a cold frit would be subject to instability if operated at the high temperatures desired for nuclear rockets, and at power densities below about 4 megawatts per liter. Since the desired power density is about 40 megawatts per liter, it can be concluded that operation at design exit temperature but at reduced power could be hazardous for such a reactor. But the calculations also show that an appropriate cold frit could very likely cure the instability. More definite conclusions must await calculations for specific designs.
Discriminator in nuclear particle detection system distinguishes nuclear particle type and energy among many different nuclear particles. Discriminator incorporates passive, linear circuit elements so that it will operate over a wide dynamic range.