Feasibility of fission chambers as a neutron diagnostic in the IFMIF—Test Cell

A diagnostic based on a set of fission ionization chambers is proposed for the IFMIF Test Cell in order to achieve on-line control of the irradiation parameters. These chambers are widely used in fission reactors; however the IFMIF environment (neutron spectrum, high neutron fluxes, gamma doses, reduced space, etc. …) requires a careful design of the whole diagnostic. This work shows the current status of the diagnostic development, which is being performed in the framework of the Broader Approach activities. The definition of the diagnostic strategy is addressed to establish the main specifications and requirements of the IFMIF fission chambers and their deployment. p that the signal of a set of fission chambers will supply has been assessed by taking into account their sensitivity, their positioning inside the Test Cell and the IFMIF neutron flux. The results show that this experimental system will be capable of measuring and characterizing the high neutron fluxes expected for IFMIF.