A theoretical study of a nickel SPND using Warrenʹs model

Various parameters for a nickel SPND viz. neutron and gamma sensitivity, their dependence on detector dimensions, effect of activity build up during irradiation in the reactor on neutron sensitivity and burn up have been calculated using an analytical model by Warren and Shah. The results show that the main component of neutron sensitivity is due to neutron-induced capture gamma rays (99.93%). Delayed β signal is negligible and signal due to external gamma rays constitute about 0.06%. Low gamma sensitivity to external gamma rays, negligible activity buildup and low burn up rate make it a very promising prompt SPND for power reactors.