电沉积制备铀靶在快中子测量中的应用研究

Application of Electrodeposited Uranium Targets for Fast Neutron Detection

  • 摘要: 根据238U靶在某中子源的快中子测量中的应用需求,利用电沉积装置制备了238U靶,通过优化镀液酸度、电流密度和极间距等关键参数,成功在铝合金基底上制备出厚度均匀(2.98 mg/cm2)良好的238U薄膜靶材。并利用SEM-EDS、XPS、XRD手段对镀层形貌、成分和结构进行表征,结果表明,镀层主要为U(VI)化合物,并含有少量U(IV)还原产物(UO2和U3O8)。镀层电阻率和结合力测试显示,镀层具有良好的均匀电学性能和结合力(平均临界载荷0.6 N)。在不同中子源下进行核性能测试,结果表明以238U靶为平板型正比计数器的探测元件,可用于某中子源的测量需求。该型探测器的坪长为600 V,坪斜为2.27%/100 VDC,中子灵敏度为1.43×10−5 s−1·nv−1。该研究为高性能238U靶的制备及其在快中子测量中的应用提供了技术基础和参考。

     

    Abstract: In response to the application requirements of 238U targets in fast neutron measurement at a specific neutron source, 238U targets were fabricated using an electrodeposition system. Key parameters including bath acidity, current density, and interelectrode distance were optimized to successfully deposit a uniform 238U thin film (2.98 mg/cm2) with good adhesion on an aluminum alloy substrate. The coating was characterized by SEM-EDS, XPS, and XRD to analyze its morphology, composition, and structure. Results revealed that the coating primarily consists of U(VI) compounds with minor amounts of reduced U(IV) species (UO2 and U3O8). Electrical resistivity and adhesion tests indicated excellent electrical uniformity and interfacial bonding strength (average critical load: 0.6 N). Nuclear performance evaluations conducted at different neutron sources demonstrated that the the 238U target, serving as the detection element in a flat-plate proportional counter, is suitable for the measurement requirements of the specified neutron source. The detector exhibits a plateau length of 600 V, a plateau slope of 2.27% per 100 VDC, and a neutron sensitivity of 1.43×10−5 s−1·nv−1. This study provides a technical foundation and valuable reference for the preparation of high-performance 238U targets and their application in fast neutron detection.

     

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