Multi-Detector Integrated Fission Counter Array

A multi-chamber fission array has been designed, fabricated, and tested with integrated and condensed electronic circuitry. The intention was to develop an array of over 100 channels of detectors able to cover the high power range of TREAT transients in conjunction with the fast neutron hodoscope. The array has been developed through a prototype stage consisting of 31 possible channels. A wide variety of operating conditions have been tested, including choice of fissile isotope, coating thickness, gas filling, plate spacing, high voltage, and electronic circuitry. The configuration tested at TREAT consisted of ten active channels incorporated in a doubly contained system. Miniaturized electronic circuits are appended almost directly to the parallel plates of the fission counters. Cost and space limitations were major factors in the design.