Title :
A portable measurement system for subcriticality measurements by the CF-source-driven neutron noise analysis method
Author :
Mihalczo, J.T. ; Ragan, G.E. ; Blakeman, E.D.
Author_Institution :
Oak Ridge Nat. Lab., TN, USA
Abstract :
A description is given of a portable measurement system consisting of a personal computer used as a Fourier analyzer and three detection channels (with associated electronics that provide the signals to signal-to-digital converters) that has been assembled to measure subcriticality by the /sup 252/Cf-source-driven neutron noise analysis method. The system contains a parallel-plate ionization chamber containing /sup 252/Cf, and two /sup 3/He proportional counters. It is capable of sampling signals at rates up to 80 kHz and processing these data at rates (to form the appropriate spectra) of 2 kHz.<>
Keywords :
Fourier analysis; computerised instrumentation; computerised signal processing; measurement systems; microcomputer applications; neutron detection and measurement; radiation monitoring; signal processing equipment; /sup 252/Cf source driven neutron noise analysis method; /sup 3/He proportional counters; 2 kHz; 80 kHz; Fourier analyzer; detection channels; parallel-plate ionization chamber; personal computer; portable measurement system; signal-to-digital converters; subcriticality measurements; Assembly systems; Counting circuits; Ionization chambers; Microcomputers; Neutrons; Noise measurement; Signal analysis; Signal processing; Signal sampling;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
