Differential Spectrum Generator

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Differential Spectrum Generator

A novel device that can determine a detector's efficiency to fission-shaped spectra using a D-T generator.  

Opportunity:   Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), offers the opportunity to enter into a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize the Differential Spectrum Generator. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses, and, ultimately, an improved way of life for the American people.

Overview:        Using a D-T generator for neutron detector calibrations is preferable (primarily due to cost) over Cf-252 sources. That said, the industry still wants detectors calibrated to the Cf-252 spectrum. Therefore, there is a need to create a Cf-252-like range using a D-T generator.

Description:     This device can use a D-T generator to determine a detector's efficiency in fission-shaped spectra. The efficiency is found by selecting the detector's response to a Fissionable Material Shell exposed to the D-T generator. The detector's response to a Proxy Shell is then subtracted from the first response (like a background subtraction), yielding the answer in the sensor from only the fission spectrum. The device can also utilize Positive and Negative Proxy Shells with a similar subtraction technique for determining the efficiency of almost any desired range.

Benefits:          

• The main advantage is providing a cheaper alternative for determining detectors than the current state-of-the-art, Californium-252.

Applications:    

• Detector calibrations to specific spectra
• A set of shells can be constructed for Energy Dependent Neutron Detector Calibrations.

Development Status:  TRL 1: an early-stage concept needing further testing.  

IP Status:         US Patent No. 11,079,504, “Differential Neutron Spectrum Generator and Related Methods and Systems,” BEA Docket No. BA-943.

INL seeks to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities.

Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.