Current Research

The K-State reactor is being used to support research by the Department of Mechanical and Nucelar Engineering, MNE SMART lab, MNE Radioactive Measurement Applications Lab, K-State Department of Chemical Engineering, K-State Department of Entomology, and the University of Chicago (Enrico Fermi Institute).

Neutrino Detector Testing

A researcher associated with the Enrico Fermi Institute  has edeveloped and implemented a 24 keV monochromatic filtered neutron beam for test and calibration of ultra low-energy (sub-keV) nuclear recoil detectors.

Thermal Neutron Detector Test Facility

A monochromator has been installed on one beam of the KSU reactor to deliver low gamma, monoenergetic neutrons for testing neutron detectors.  The detector test facility is used estensively by the KSU SMART lab to test new types and applications for neutron detectors.

Thermal Neutron Detector Test Facility

(Link) EON Detector

The Elector-Optical Neutron (EON) detector is new method of detecting radiation, which can conceivably allow for long distance measurements of radiation. The device proposed for neutron detection, although it could in principle be used for gamma ray detection. The neutron detection medium is a solid, transparent, electro optical material, such as lithium niobate, lithium tantalate, or barium borate crystals. The crystals act as optical gates to laser light, allowing light to pass through only when a neutron interaction occurs. Typical light detection devices, such as PIN diodes, CCD cameras, or photomultiplier tubes can be used to signal when light passes through the crystal.

(Link) Micro-Pocket Fission Detectors

KSU researchers are developing neutron radiation detectors capable of withstanding intense radiation fields, of performing "near-core" reactor measurements, of pulse mode and current mode operation, and of discriminating neutron signals from background gamma ray signals. The detectors are tiny enough to be inserted directly into a nuclear reactor without significantly reducing or altering the neutron flux, and will be used to monitor nuclear reactor power levels in "real-time."  These requirements be met with a new type of compact neutron detector fabricated through the utilization of present day micro-machining technology. The basic device consists of a miniaturized gas-filled chamber with either ¹⁰B or ²³⁵U inside coatings. The device width can be reduced to 1 mm or less while retaining up to 7 percent thermal neutron detection efficiency. The device is extremely radiation-hard and should continue to operate after exposure to neutron fluences exceeding 10¹⁶ n/cm². Furthermore, the compact design reduces background gamma ray interference. The device can be manufactured from a variety of materials, including common semiconductor and insulating materials. Overall, the device will be inexpensive to reproduce and operate. The compact devices will be deployed in and around the KSU TRIGA reactor and tested as real-time neutron flux and power monitors. Inversion models will be developed to correlate the detector measurements with reactor power levels and performance.

(Link) Thin-Film Neutron Detectors

A high efficiency thin film neutron is being developed, with testing accomplished using the reactor.

(Link) High-Efficiency Thermal Neutron Cavity Detectors

Boron can be deposited on semiconductor materials to provide a neutron sensitive detector.  The detection efficiency is significantly enhanced by microscopic penetrations that provide anchor points for the boron and a large surface area for signal development.

Neutron Dosimeters

Development of small, solid state neutron detectors provides the opportunity to package the detectors with energy filters and electronics that will provide a dose rate in a small format.

SiC Neutron Detectors

Boron can be deposited on semiconductor materials to provide a neutron sensitive detector.  This project is developing methods for fabricating the detectors.

Stand Off Bomb Detector (SOBD)

Neutron and gamma interactions result in secondary radiation that can be used to characterize material. The SOBD project will be used to test materials characteristic of explosives in vehicles.  Density and major elemental components may provide a good indicator of suspect vehicles.

Stand Off Bomb Detector Setup	Stand Off Bomb Detector Overhead View

Fly Head Analysis

The origins of stable fly infestations have significant implications for treatment programs.  It is suspected that stable fly movement is strongly influenced by weater patterns, possibly transporting flies across geographic regions. A project was initiated to determine if trace element in stable fly heads could be used to identify the region of origin.

Aluminum Nitride & Boron Carbide Processing

The Department of Chemical Engineering is evaluating the introduction of trace elements in processing materials such as AlN and B4C.  This project supports research in applicatiosn such as the use of aluminum nitride as a potential semiconductor material.

Characterization of Chert/Flint Beds

Flint was "mined" from mineral deposits by native Americans and traded across most of North America.  The origins of flint artifacts (i.e., the arrow heads, fling knives, etc.) provide valuable clues about Native American migration and trade routes.  The origin of most flint artifacts can be determined visually from mineral characteristics specific to native American, open-pit "mines," but about 25% of the artifacts do not have enough unique characteristics to tie them to specific mines.  Neutron activation analysis is being used to characterize the trace element composition of mines in the Central Plains and adjacent areas to determine if trace element analysis can provide definitive statements of origins for the artifacts.