Abstract: A neutron detector includes an anode and a cathode. The cathode circumscribes the anode and has a plurality of planar segments facing the anode. In one embodiment, the neutron detector is part of an array of neutron detectors.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing anode and cathode electrical separation in detectors. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is presented for providing a neutron detector tube. The method may include applying a conductive layer to at least a portion of an inner surface of a non-conductive cathode tube associated with a neutron detector; applying a neutron sensitive cathode coating to at least a portion of the conductive layer; sealing a first portion of the neutron detector tube with a cathode cap; and sealing a second portion of the neutron detection tube with an anode cap.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing anode and cathode electrical separation in detectors. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method is presented for providing a neutron detector tube. The method may include applying a conductive layer to at least a portion of an inner surface of a non-conductive cathode tube associated with a neutron detector; applying a neutron sensitive cathode coating to at least a portion of the conductive layer; sealing a first portion of the neutron detector tube with a cathode cap; and sealing a second portion of the neutron detection tube with an anode cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting at least one of neutron and gamma ray reception and outputting a signal indicative of the reception. A detector is responsive to the at least one of neutron and gamma ray reception. The detector has a cathode, an anode separated by a space from the cathode, and a gas within the separating space. Charge is generated within the gas upon the at least one of neutron and gamma ray reception at the cathode and the charge passes to the anode as a detection. A processing arrangement is operatively connected to the anode for outputting the signal indicative of the detection. A light irradiation arrangement for introducing a light irradiation causes charge within the gas that replicates the charge generated upon detection and that causes output of a signal that replicates the signal indicative of the detection.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting at least one of neutron and gamma ray reception and outputting a signal indicative of the reception. A detector is responsive to the at least one of neutron and gamma ray reception. The detector has a cathode, an anode separated by a space from the cathode, and a gas within the separating space. Charge is generated within the gas upon the at least one of neutron and gamma ray reception at the cathode and the charge passes to the anode as a detection. A processing arrangement is operatively connected to the anode for outputting the signal indicative of the detection. A light irradiation arrangement for introducing a light irradiation causes charge within the gas that replicates the charge generated upon detection and that causes output of a signal that replicates the signal indicative of the detection.

Abstract: A neutron detector array that includes a hollow member circumscribing an axis and bounding a volume. A divider extends parallel to the axis within the hollow member to divide the volume into a plurality of volume portions. A plurality of anodes extend parallel to the axis; at least one anode within each volume portion. A plurality of cathodes wherein the hollow member has an interior surface and the divider has surfaces that are coated with neutron sensitive material. Also, a neutron detector that includes a hollow cathode bounding a volume portion with at least a partial wedge cross-section, and an anode extending thought the volume portion. An electric field exists during operation of the neutron detector within the volume portion, the electric field varying across the cross-section, and the anode being located at an area of maximum field strength within the field. The detector may be used in the array.

Abstract: A neutron detector includes an anode and a cathode. The cathode circumscribes the anode and has a plurality of planar segments facing the anode. In one embodiment, the neutron detector is part of an array of neutron detectors.

Abstract: A neutron detector array that includes a hollow member circumscribing an axis and bounding a volume. A divider extends parallel to the axis within the hollow member to divide the volume into a plurality of volume portions. A plurality of anodes extend parallel to the axis; at least one anode within each volume portion. A plurality of cathodes wherein the hollow member has an interior surface and the divider has surfaces that are coated with neutron sensitive material. Also, a neutron detector that includes a hollow cathode bounding a volume portion with at least a partial wedge cross-section, and an anode extending thought the volume portion. An electric field exists during operation of the neutron detector within the volume portion, the electric field varying across the cross-section, and the anode being located at an area of maximum field strength within the field. The detector may be used in the array.

Abstract: An instrumentation package in broad terms includes at least one substantially cylindrical instrumentation component; a substantially cylindrical shield surrounding the instrumentation component, the shield having a diameter less than a standard predetermined diameter; and a sizing sleeve around the shield, thereby increasing the diameter of the sleeve to the standard predetermined diameter. A nuclear detector package is also disclosed that includes a substantially cylindrical crystal element; a photomultiplier tube arranged coaxially with the crystal element; an optical coupler sandwiched between one end of the crystal element and an adjacent end of the photomultiplier tube; the crystal element, optical coupler and photomultiplier tube hermetically sealed within a cylindrical shield; and a flexible support sleeve extending exteriorly along the crystal element and the photomultiplier tube and radially inside the cylindrical shield.

Abstract: An instrumentation package in broad terms includes at least one substantially cylindrical instrumentation component; a substantially cylindrical shield surrounding the instrumentation component, the shield having a diameter less than a standard predetermined diameter; and a sizing sleeve around the shield, thereby increasing the diameter of the sleeve to the standard predetermined diameter. A nuclear detector package is also disclosed that includes a substantially cylindrical crystal element; a photomultiplier tube arranged coaxially with the crystal element; an optical coupler sandwiched between one end of the crystal element and an adjacent end of the photomultiplier tube; the crystal element, optical coupler and photomultiplier tube hermetically sealed within a cylindrical shield; and a flexible support sleeve extending exteriorly along the crystal element and the photomultiplier tube and radially inside the cylindrical shield.

Abstract: An instrumentation package in broad terms includes at least one substantially cylindrical instrumentation component; a substantially cylindrical shield surrounding the instrumentation component, the shield having a diameter less than a standard predetermined diameter; and a sizing sleeve around the shield, thereby increasing the diameter of the sleeve to the standard predetermined diameter. A nuclear detector package is also disclosed that includes a substantially cylindrical crystal element; a photomultiplier tube arranged coaxially with the crystal element; an optical coupler sandwiched between one end of the crystal element and an adjacent end of the photomultiplier tube; the crystal element, optical coupler and photomultiplier tube hermetically sealed within a cylindrical shield; and a flexible support sleeve extending exteriorly along the crystal element and the photomultiplier tube and radially inside the cylindrical shield.

Abstract: An ultra violet light sterilizing apparatus utilizing a silicon carbide (SiC) photodiode sensor is described. The ultraviolet light fluid sterilization apparatus includes a fluid chamber, at least one ultraviolet light source configured to emit ultraviolet light into the fluid chamber, and at least one ultraviolet light sensor that includes a silicon carbide photodiode. Each UV light sensor includes a sealed outer housing having an optically transparent window. A silicon carbide photodiode is located inside the housing adjacent the transparent window. Each UV light sensor also includes a signal amplification unit that includes an amplifier mounted on a printed circuit board located inside the housing. The UV sterilization apparatus also includes a controller configured to receive, as input, a signal from each ultraviolet light sensor.

Abstract: A wide range flux monitoring assembly is provided for in-core neutron flux monitoring in a nuclear reactor vessel. The assembly comprises a fixed in-core power range monitor and a fixed in-core extended range start-up monitor which are connected to signal processing circuitry means for generating signals representative of neutron flux in the reactor vessel. The extended range start-up monitor includes a fission chamber including an anode, a cathode, a neutron sensitive material interposed between the anode and the cathode and a cable assembly for communicating electrical signals between the anode and the cathode to the signal processing circuitry means. An insulating oversheath is disposed about the extended range start-up monitor for insulating the fission chamber from reactor vessel potential. The oversheath comprises a casing having an inner wall and an outer wall and includes an insulating layer interposed between the fission chamber and the inner wall.