High temperature radiation hard detectors (HTRaD)

Development of a solid state radiation hard high temperature sensor for neutron and gamma detection has many potential
uses. With long term reliability suitable for use in nuclear power generation plant, high energy physics, synchrotron
favilities, medical devices and national resiliience the use of solid state diamond devices is an obvious choice. Diamond
eliminates the need to use helium-3 and is very radiation hard. Diamond is an expensive synthetic material and challenging
to process reliably so work needs undertaking on the use of less expensive poly-crystalline diamond. Areas of innovation
include precise laser cutting and plasma processing of diamond to improve the production of multi-layer devices for neutron
detection. Diamond polishing needs to be improved and understood so that optimal and economic devices can be
manufactured. Advanced electron micropscopy techniques, nano-mechanical and tensile testing, radiation testing as well
as high temperature neutron performance and mechanical stability will be demonstrated to show how this technology can
be applied successfully to future power plant designs and radiation monitoring.

UK industry will directly benefit since 2 companies will be major players in the supply chain, E6, supply high value diamond
substrates and Micron Semiconductor Ltd who will be developing the detectors with the support of the Wolfson Centre for
Materials Processing and the School of Engineering and Design at Brunel University. Technologies already exist to carry
out neutron detection but we are seeking to push the boundaries in terms of temperature and long term stability which
means that the users will be able to apply the detectors into new areas and into high dose situations where bulky shielding
is not an option.
Industry users who want to monitor radiation levels, particularly thermal neutron levels must find a solution to the use of
dwindling supplies of He-3 isotope, due to the reduction in nuclear weapons where this isotope was a waste product from
decommissioning/servicing of nuclear bombs. There is a wide range of industrial and civilian users and beneficiaries that
will benefit from the implementation of this technology due to the technical advantages that it offers. The nuclear power
industry is one target audience that will benefit, both civil and military users, where these devices are used in control and
monitoring settings and could be used inside or outside of shielding. End users will benefit from the cheap production of
electricity and the long term goal in reduction of carbon dioxide emissions - this technology plays its part in supporting the
introduction and maintenance of the nuclear industry. Mineral and oil exploration where these devices could be used
instead of more bulky He-3 detectors and introduction will happen if costs are reasonable. Medical users, research and
patients, will benefit from more effective treatments, especially with modern particle therapy such as proton therapy and
treatments based at national synchrotron sites where diamond has been used to monitor dose effectively. National
resilience and border control carrying out remote monitoring since neutrons are used to monitor at standoff distances and
in long term storage of radioactive materials due to the long operation time of the devices due to the stability of diamond.