Nuclear reactor pulse calibration using a CdZnTe electro-optic radiation detector

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Engineering
• Materials Science
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Nuclear reactor pulse calibration is critical for safety and operational efficiency.
• Traditional calibration methods may have limitations in precision and real-time application.
• Electro-optic detectors offer potential for advanced measurement techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To calibrate nuclear reactor pulses using a novel electro-optic radiation detector.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) Pockels cell for this application.
• To establish a precise measurement protocol for nuclear reactivity.

Main Methods:

• A Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) crystal was configured as a Pockels cell with crossed polarizers.
• Collimated light passed through the CdZnTe crystal, and transmitted light was measured by an infrared (IR) photodiode.
• Nuclear reactor pulses were simulated and calibrated by measuring changes in photodiode current across varying reactivity levels (1.00–2.50 dollars).

Main Results:

• The CdZnTe Pockels cell successfully detected and allowed for the calibration of nuclear reactor pulses.
• Measurements showed a clear correlation between reactor pulse levels and changes in photodiode current.
• The calibration procedure was repeated 10 times for each reactivity increment, demonstrating consistent results.

Conclusions:

• The CdZnTe electro-optic detector provides a viable and precise method for calibrating nuclear reactor pulses.
• This technique enhances the ability to monitor and control nuclear reactor operations.
• The Pockels cell configuration shows promise for future advancements in nuclear instrumentation.