Neutron monitoring is required in many sectors, including Energy, Defence/Security and Healthcare. However, existing area survey meters typically over read by up to 1,000 % in some energy regions. Also, by design, they take no account of the direction of incidence, which may affect the risk to the exposed individual. This inherent conservatism can curtail work unnecessarily and may also distort epidemiological studies. The aim of this project is to design and test a novel neutron survey meter that takes account of both neutron energy and direction to provide directly an estimate of effective dose (the quantity in which dose limits are actually expressed). The successful student will use computer simulation to optimise the design of the survey meter and then develop a prototype for testing at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

The EPSRC CASE Award is in collaboration with NPL and the successful student would be seconded to the NPL Neutron Metrology Group for at least 3 months. Here he or she would have access to NPL’s world-class neutron facilities, including a variety of well-characterised neutron fields, for the assessment of the prototype survey meter. During the secondment NPL would also provide supervision and mentoring for the student, plus reasonable subsistence and travel expenses. NPL will also provide mentoring on neutron detection techniques and the required characteristics of a practical survey meter.

Applications are invited from UK students only and applicants should have a first/upper second class degree in Nuclear, Physics, Mechatronics, Electronics, Electrical, Computing or equivalent relevant experience. Applicants should also demonstrate strong practical skills, good mathematical skills and programming experience. The studentship is fully-funded for UK candidates including fees and a tax free stipend for 3.5 years. Ideally the project should start before the end of March 2013.

For further details or to apply please contact Dr. Kelum Gamage (Department of Engineering, University of Lancaster) via email by clicking on the Apply button below and include a CV.