Fission Chambers: Detection Principles & Applications

This lecture covers the detection principles and applications of fission chambers in radiation monitoring systems, focusing on the basics of neutron conversion, coating thickness optimization, pulse and current modes of operation, problems like fissile layer depletion and fission fragment build-up, and solutions such as using fertile-fissile mixtures and signal discrimination. It also discusses the instrumentation systems in BWR and PWR reactors, including the Local Power Range Monitoring System, in-core and ex-core detectors, and the use of miniature fission chambers for power distribution compliance, calibration support, and control rod verification.