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DragonPetter
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I can't seem to find a description online, other than that they're used for neutron energy measurements.
Bonner Balls are spherical detectors used to measure the energy and direction of neutron radiation. They consist of a central thermal neutron detector surrounded by multiple layers of different materials, each designed to detect neutrons with different energy ranges.
Bonner Balls work by surrounding a central thermal neutron detector with layers of different materials, such as polyethylene, paraffin, and lead. When neutrons interact with these materials, they produce secondary particles that are then detected by the central detector, providing information about the neutron energy and direction.
Bonner Balls are commonly used in radiation dosimetry and neutron spectroscopy. They are also used in various fields such as nuclear power, medical imaging, and space exploration to measure and monitor neutron radiation levels.
The accuracy of Bonner Balls depends on various factors, including the design of the detector, the materials used, and the calibration process. Generally, they have a high accuracy for measuring thermal neutrons, but their accuracy decreases for higher energy neutrons.
Bonner Balls are generally considered safe to use as they do not emit any radiation themselves. However, precautions should still be taken when handling them and interpreting the data they provide, as they are designed to detect potentially harmful neutron radiation.