Application of Electrodeposited Uranium Targets for Fast Neutron Detection

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.