SUPERHEATED LIQUID NEUTRON SENSOR-BASED ON POLYMER MATRIX

A neutron sensor consisting of superheated liquid droplets suspended i n a semi-solid polymer matrix (SLNS-2) has been developed. These super heated liquid droplets nucleate into gaseous bubbles due to neutron in teraction. The sensor is sensitive to neutrons with energy beyond 1 ke V. Neutron dose measurement up to 20 mu Sv can be made in passive mode by visually counting the number of nucleated bubbles. An active devic e for counting the events of bubble nucleation with the help of acoust ic signals has also been developed. Neutron dose above 20 mu Sv is acc omplished with the help of this device. The experimental results of th e superheated liquid neutron sensor (SLNS-2) pertaining to stability, neutron dose response and temperature effects are reported in this pap er.