Optical Absorption of Fused Silica and Sapphire Exposed to Neutron and Gamma Radiation with Simultaneous Thermal Annealing
The simultaneous effects of radiation and thermal annealing on optical absorption in fused silica and sapphire subjected to gamma irradiation up to doses of 10 Mrad, and mixed neutron/gamma irradiation up to total neutron fluence of 1.7 ×10 17 n ·cm -2 (211 Mrad gamma) are reported and discussed. Ther- mal annealing was performed post-irradiation […]
Impact of Glass Irradiation on Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Data Analysis
Increased absorption of optical materials arising from exposure to ionizing radiation must be accounted for to accurately analyze laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) data retrieved from high-radiation environments. We evaluate this effect on two examples that mimic the diagnostics placed within novel nuclear reactor designs. The analysis is performed on LIBS data measured with 1% Xe […]
Post-Irradiation Examination of Optical Components for Advanced Fission Reactor Instrumentation
The use of optical instrumentation in advanced nuclear fission systems, such as molten salt reactors, liquid metal-cooled reactors, and high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, has the potential to enhance reactor safety and economic performance through in situ and online measurement of reactor conditions. Selection of suitable optical components, such as optical windows and fibers, is essential for […]