Flux measurements in a nuclear research reactor by using an aluminum nitride detector

A small polycrystalline aluminium nitride detector with a thickness of 381 μm was used to measure a 200,000 Ci Co60 source and to measure the flux in a research reactor where the neutron flux is about 1014/cm2 s, which is nearly the same order as in the commercial power plant. If the applied voltage is greater than or equal to 2000 V and if the measurements are done in a short period of time so that the heat energy does not build up in the aluminium nitride, then the measured electric current is linearly proportional to the input flux. It is assumed of course that the energy spectrum of the input flux remains constant. This linearity relation is illustrated by the results of a measurement in which the reactor power has been controlled so that the flux becomes a step function.