The interaction of fission fragments with electron beam charged polyfluoroethylene propylene

Abstract

Interactions of fission fragments with charged polyfluoroethylene propylene (FEP) create detectable electrical signals characteristic of the event. FEP charged with 30-50-keV electrons can attain internal electrostatic fields that approach the dielectric strength. Fission of /sup 235/U by thermal neutrons produces fission fragments with energies of 60-100 MeV that deposit their energy in 20-40 mu m of FEP. This induces charge-pair production and a temporary radiation-induced conduction path detectable with conventional radiation detection electronics. The exact mechanisms and characteristics of the phenomena are being investigated for possible use in small, simple, self-powered thermal neutron detectors.<>