Project Details
Problem Statement
Optical fiber-based sensors could enable in-situ measurements (e.g. temperature, dimensional change) of advanced nuclear fuels and materials during irradiation. The feasibility of using fiber optic sensing techniques for in-pile applications requires experimental data regarding signal darkening in optical fiber materials under intense irradiation at high temperatures.
Technical Approach
Experimental capsules have been designed and fabricated to irradiate slab specimens in the High Flux Isotope Reactor to a high dose at various temperatures. Post-irradiation measurements of optical transmission will be used to inform dynamic predictive models of light transmission as a function of dose, temperature, and light wavelength.
Benefit
Success of this project could lead to implementation of optical fiber-based sensors in instrumented materials irradiation experiments to provide high fidelity in-situ measurements.
