Neutron irradiation effects on spin thermoelectric devices and development of neutron detector

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K12526
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 80040:Quantum beam science-related
• Research Institution: Japan Atomic Energy Agency
• Principal Investigator: Okayasu Satoru 国立研究開発法人日本原子力研究開発機構, 原子力科学研究部門 原子力科学研究所 先端基礎研究センター, 研究員 (50354824)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: スピントロニクス / 中性子 / 熱電変換

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We conducted research and development on the application of thermoelectric elements using spintronics technology, which is thought to have excellent radiation resistance properties, to the nuclear field. Previous studies have shown that spin thermoelectric elements are highly resistant to gamma rays, but not neutrons. In the first half of this study, the resistance to neutron irradiation was verified. Based on these results, in the second half, we attempted to detect the nuclear reaction heat of neutrons and boron-10 with a spin thermoelectric element. However, at present, the signal was small and buried in noise and could not be detected. Currently, we are improving the element and reviewing the detection method, and continue to detect signals.

Free Research Field

ビーム応用

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

ごく狭義には、福島第一原発事故の作業現場での簡易な中性子線量測定に資するもので、廃炉作業への進展を促すものと考えている。また本技術を利用して高線量下でも熱電変換による電源確保が可能となり、原子炉の安全性の向上にも寄与すると期待している。