Background Radiation Measurements at High Power Research Reactors

Published

January 11, 2016

Author(s)

Hans P. Mumm

Abstract

Research reactors typically host a wide range of activities that make use of the intense neutron fluxes generated at these facilities. Recent interest in performing measurements with relatively low event rates, e.g. reactor antineutrino detection, at these facilities necessitates a detailed understanding of background radiation fields. Both reactor-correlated and naturally occurring background sources are potentially important, even at levels well below those of importance for typical activities. Here we describe a comprehensive series of background assessments at three high power research reactors, including gamma-ray, neutron, and muon measurements. For each facility we describe the characteristics and identify the sources of the background fields encountered. The general understanding gained of background production mechanisms and their relationship to facility features will prove valuable for the planning of any sensitive measurement conducted therein.

Citation

Nuclear Instruments & Methods

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2015.10.023

Keywords

neutrino, reactor backgrounds

Citation

Mumm, H. (2016), Background Radiation Measurements at High Power Research Reactors, Nuclear Instruments & Methods, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2015.10.023 (Accessed April 26, 2024)