Fundamental Study for Radiation Mapping Technology Development in ultra-high dose environments
Project Gist
Expansion of fundamental research towards decommissioning by Japan-UK joint research
Keywords
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, Sellafield, Decommissioning, High dose rate, Diamond detector
Background and Purpose
Measurements of radiation dose rates in highly active environments, such as Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant or Sellafield, is challenging due to the extreme environments encountered and restricted access. Therefore, novel radiation detector technology is required to address these challenges. One such example of a radiation detection material is diamond, as it is able to withstand and measure high radiation intensities, is chemically inert and formable into extremely small, sensitive detectors. These detectors generate small currents when exposed to radiation, and if the radiation levels are high enough this can be measured. Through a new collaboration of the University of Bristol- Kyoto University, the fundamental results of this newly detector system was obtained from radiation testing of diamond detectors at Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science (Formerly Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute).
Project Achievements
New research subjects such as diamond neutron detector system and nuclear battery, were created from the achievements of this project. A more advanced collaboration research relations between the University of Bristol and Kyoto University was formed for not only the researchers including young researchers but also the institutes and the universities. In near future, we will apply for competitive external funds for each new research subject based on the results of this project and promote further research development.
Future Prospects
We plan to conduct fundamental experiments of newly developed research subjects using Kyoto University Research Reactor or Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute electron linac in FY2018. In the future, we strength the joint research relation between the University of Bristol and Kyoto University, and lead to mutual development for the institutes.
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Principal Investigator
・UNESAKI Hironobu
・Institute for Integrated Radiation and Nuclear Science, Kyoto University (Formerly Kyoto University Research Reactor Institute)
・His majors are nuclear reactor physics through experimental and numerical approach, and he is also charge in research and lecture on energy policy at Graduate School of Energy Science, Kyoto University. He is engaged in international activities such as IAEA correspondence through management of nuclear fuel at the institute.
