Abstract: A nuclear power reactor may include a plurality of power modules, each including a nuclear fuel and a power conversion system configured to convert heat generated from the nuclear fuel to electricity, where the nuclear fuel of the plurality of power modules collectively forms a reactor core. The nuclear power reactor may also include a sleeve being disposed between the plurality of power modules, where the sleeve has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The nuclear power reactor may further include a reactivity booster having a neutron source and a reactivity quencher having a neutron absorber. The reactivity booster may be movable between a first location adjacent the first end of the sleeve and a second location adjacent the reactor core, and the reactivity quencher may be movable between a third location adjacent the second end and the second location adjacent the reactor core.

Abstract: A neutron generator is provided with a flat, rectilinear geometry and surface mounted metallizations. This construction provides scalability and ease of fabrication, and permits multiple ion source functionalities.

Abstract: A neutron emitting assembly, which is useful in nuclear reactors and other industrial applications, is made of a major amount of beryllium encapsulating a minor amount of 252Cf, which can be placed in a capsule having end plugs and a holding spring.

Abstract: A neutron emitting assembly, which is useful in nuclear reactors and other industrial applications, is made of a major amount of beryllium encapsulating a minor amount of 252Cf, which can be placed in a capsule having end plugs and a holding spring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel compound used as a fuel for thermonuclear fusion reactions for power generation applications. The compound is 11Boron Deuteride, which is an analogue of Boron Hydride. Also disclosed is a method of production of this compound.

Abstract: A semiconductor memory module, which is formed as an FBDIMM memory module, for example, has a planar design. In the 2R×4 configuration, semiconductor components are arranged in two rows on a top side of a module board and semiconductor memory components are likewise arranged in two rows on an underside of the module board. In contrast to a “Stacked DRAM” design, the semiconductor components in accordance with the planar design contain only one memory chip. By using a parallel routing for a command address bus and an on-die termination bus, the address, clock, and control buses can be adapted in terms of load, so that different signal propagation times on the different buses are avoided to the greatest possible extent.

Abstract: Method for analyzing a primary neutron beam of a neutron source, a neutron source having a beam monitor, and a beam monitor. Fission chambers which are arranged in the primary neutron beam are known as beam monitors. Fission processes initiated by the neutrons produce in the fission chambers free charge carriers which, given an applied electric voltage, effect an ionization current pulse by means of which the neutron is counted. Produced as by-product during fission are undesired fast neutrons and high-energy gamma radiation. In addition, the flux of slow neutrons can be substantially attenuated by the gas filling of the fission chambers. These disadvantages can be avoided in the case of the novel method, the novel neutron source and the novel beam monitor. Neutrons are scattered incoherently out of the primary neutron beam (1) by means of a scattering foil (4). A portion of the scattered neutrons (5) strike a detector device (6) which is arranged outside the primary neutron beam (1).

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly analyzing elemental abundances in rock or soil samples (14) under field conditions. The system uses a portable neutron source (12) to allow neutron activation analysis of elements having identifiable radioactive decay characteristics. A radiation detector (18) detects radiation released by the sample (14) and provides radiation testing results to an amplifier (26) for computing the concentration of trace elements in the sample with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: Described are preferred devices and systems useful in the non-destructive detection of predetermined substances, such as plastique explosives, in objects under interrogation. The devices and systems are readily constructed and can be manufactured as self-contained, portable detection devices.

Abstract: A stand-alone low-voltage direct current power supply, for use as a battery, which is energized by the decay of a radioactive isotope in response to neutron capture. During this decay, either .alpha.- or .beta.-particles are emitted. The emitting radioactive isotope should have adequate half-life and no .gamma.-emission. The preferred .beta.-emitting radioisotope is thallium, which decays directly to the ground state of Pb.sup.204 by 763-keV .beta.-decay with no .gamma.-emission. The resulting .beta.-particles are collected to form a current which can be used for various purposes inside a reactor. The preferred .alpha.-emitting radioisotope is americium.

Abstract: A gas cooled nuclear reactor may have a stationary pile of spherical operating elements. The reactor may be controlled and shut down by absorber rods displaceable in channels of the side reflector. The neutron sources required for the safe start-up of such pellet pile reactors, which in the case of higher capacity pile reactors are installed in bores of the side reflector, are arranged in the stationary pile, where they are more effective and do not occupy positions in the side reflector. They may be located in one or more graphite elements having the same diameter as the operating elements. These elements may be introduced and removed into and from the core together with the operating elements and remain stationary in operation.

Abstract: A secondary source positioning mechanism for a fuel assembly in a nuclear reactor locates an individual one of the secondary sources in a respective guide thimble of the fuel assembly aligned with an opening defined through the upper core plate which overlies the fuel assembly. The positioning mechanism has a tapered locating boss which registers with a chamfer on the lower side of the core plate about one of its openings and a resilient holddown device which resiliently couples the upper end of a rod containing the secondary source to the locating boss in a manner which restrains the upper end of the rod in the lateral direction and positions the secondary source rod in the axial direction.

Abstract: For use in providing control of a pulsed neutron generator tube and its associated power supplies, the preferred and illustrated embodiment of the control circuit senses the operative condition of the pulsed neutron generator tube by observing external insulating gas pressure of the sealed tube to monitor for a loss of pressure, target current magnitude, pulsing of the ion source, current flow for the replenisher and operation of the high voltage power supply. This system functions as an interlock, thereby enabling operation of the tube if nominal operative conditions are achieved. Conversely, the absence of nominal operative conditions switches the equipment off to protect the tube from damage resulting from malfunction.