High temperature radiation hard detectors (HTRaD)

The objective is to develop a solid state radiation hard sensor for neutron and gamma detection with long term reliability suitable for use in nuclear power generation plant and other high temperature settings. Use of CVD diamond eliminates the need to use helium-3, a scarce at risk element. Diamond is very radiation hard but is an expensive synthetic material and challenging to process reliably. Past processing issues are understood and solutions available: Areas of innovation include precise laser cutting/plasma processing/patterning (pixellation)/conversion layers for the production of multi-layer devices for neutron detection. Diamond polishing needs to be improved and understood so that optimal, economic devices can be manufactured. Advanced materials science, electron micropscopy, high temperature neutron performance and mechanical stability will be demonstrated to show how this technology can be applied to future power plant designs and radiation monitoring.