Purpose of experiment
The purpose of the experiment is familiarization with the construction and operation of compensated boron-lined ionization chambers, which are frequently used as nuclear instrumentation detectors. Basic principle of chamber compensation are explained and demonstrated practically in a mixed neutron and gamma radiation field. Measurements of compensated ionization chamber response linearity are performed at different degrees of compensation.
Outcome / What you will learn
Students will:
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learn about the construction and operation of a gamma-compensated ionization chamber
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experimentally determine the compensation voltage
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test the linearity of chamber response at different degrees of compensation.
Execution
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The construction and operation of a compensated ionization chamber is discussed.
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Chamber compensation is demonstrated in the gamma radiation field in the reactor core at zero power.
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The current vs. voltage characteristic is measured at different reactor power levels.
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The chamber response linearity vs. reactor power is tested at different degrees of chamber compensation.
Exercise No. 9: In-core neutron flux mapping