Long-term exposure of fiber Bragg gratings in the BR1 low-flux nuclear reactor

    Research outputpeer-review

    Abstract

    We report the results of a long-term exposure of fiber Bragg gratings in the BR1 low-flux nuclear reactor at SCK•CEN in Mol, Belgium. Gratings fabricated in the photosensitive and the standard fibers were installed in February 2000 in a research channel of the reactor and remained there till August 2008. During this time the reactor was operational 4690h so that the gratings received a total thermal/fast neutron fluence up to 16.9/1.47×1017 n/cm2, and a gamma-dose ∼10 MGy. The temperature cycled from 10 to 80°C. All the gratings were easily detectable at the end of the experiment. At that time most grating showed a slight amplitude degradation. However, for three gratings the amplitude remained unchanged within the measurement error. The Bragg wavelength tracing allows perfect match of the temperature data obtained with standard the thermocouples placed near the gratings. The results show that fiber Bragg gratings can be used for long-term temperature monitoring in nuclear installations.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication2009 European Conference on Radiation and Its Effects on Components and Systems
    Subtitle of host publication10th RADECS Conference, RADECS 2009
    Pages408-411
    Number of pages4
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2009
    EventRADECS - 2009: 10th European Conference on Radiation Effects on Components and Systems - RADECS association - Radiation Effects on Components and Systems, Brugge
    Duration: 14 Sep 200918 Sep 2009

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of the European Conference on Radiation and its Effects on Components and Systems, RADECS

    Conference

    ConferenceRADECS - 2009
    Abbreviated titleRADECS
    Country/TerritoryBelgium
    CityBrugge
    Period2009-09-142009-09-18

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Radiation
    • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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