Detection Simulation of SiC Semiconductor Detector

In a high radiation environment, it has received attention as a material for detecting radiation (neutron). As the field of application of a SIC neutron detector, the semiconductor detector used in cosmic rays was proposed by Ruddy. Recently, X-ray and low-energy gamma ray spectrometry with SiC detectors has been reported. Its usability has recently been being proved in neutron dose surveillance in BNCT (Boron-Capture Neutron Therapy), thermal neutron detection in a waste drum, nuclear material surveillance, and fast neutron detection. In addition, in 2006, an experiment was actually performed by Natsume on spent nuclear fuel. SIC is suitable for radiation surveillance in a complex radiation field emitted from spent nuclear fuel and the pyropocess process. In the radiation field of spent nuclear fuel, neutrons and gamma rays are generated. In this research, the performance of a SiC detector made at KAERI was evaluated to obtain a discriminated neutron signal. First, using neutron (252Cf), alpha (241Am), and gamma (60Co) sources, a SiC semi- conductor detector was tested. The energy spectrum in a complex radiation field was simulated using the MCNPX 2.5. Finally, the experimental results by Ruddy were compared with the simulation results. Research result, whether the SiC semiconductor detector operating or not was confirmed through the simulation according to the neutron, gamma. The simulation results were similar to those of Ruddy. A further study is underway to investigate the discriminated neutron signal of a complex radiation field