Selective detection of fast and thermal neutrons in mixed-radiation fields using tungsten-silica and gold-iodine-silica nanoparticles and their boron-loaded aqueous dispersions.

Tungsten-silica and gold-iodine-silica nanoparticles and their boron-loaded aqueous dispersions were used to selectively detect fast and thermal neutrons in mixed-radiation fields generated by a cyclotron on the order of mSv at a neutron flux of 1.0 ×10(neutron/sec∙cm). The photo-image intensity, fluorescence spectra, absorption spectra, and XRD of their aqueous dispersions were measured immediately and eighteen days after irradiation.

Development of a novel boron carbide-based coating material for reduction of activation in neutron application facilities.

Recently, neutrons have been studied for application in various fields such as the structural analysis of crystals, non-destructive inspection of infrastructures, and boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). However, the neutron activation of concrete in accelerator facilities has caused problems whereby the workers are exposed to radiation and the disposal cost of radioactive waste increases at the time of decommissioning of these facilities. Hence, in the present study, a novel coating material using boron carbide (BC) was developed to reduce the activation of concrete and other materials.

Neutron shielding material based on colemanite and epoxy resin.

In recent years, there has been a need for compact shielding design such as self-shielding of a PET cyclotron or upgradation of radiation machinery in existing facilities. In these cases, high performance shielding materials are needed. Concrete or polyethylene have been used for a neutron shield.