Some theoretical aspects of self-powered detectors

Theoretical models which have been put forward to describe the behaviour of self-powered detectors in various radiation environments are reviewed. Of approximately 80 possible interactions that can occur when a detector is introduced into the core, only 20 have been considered. More than 50 percent of interactions involve electronic processes in the insulator and this area requires further research. The other major area that has been neglected is the effect of external gamma ray flux on the detector response. Although it is well known that the prompt component of self-powered detector response is partially due to the effects of external gamma rays as well as capture gamma rays produced inside the detector, little theoretical work has been presented on this facet of the problem. (O.T.)