Assessment of SPND Signal in IFMIF-DONES using a Monte Carlo Modelling

IFMIF-DONES (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented Neutron Source) is a key facility for the study and analysis of the materials properties exposed to irradiation conditions characterised by a high neutron flux with high energies up to 55 MeV. These irradiation conditions are expected by the future DEMOnstration fusion power plant (DEMO). Within IFMIF-DONES, the irradiation modules which host the specimens material are placed. Therefore, real-time monitoring of the neutron flux is essential to detect and correct any deviations, ensuring continuous and uniform irradiation. Among the diagnostics taken into account, the Self-Powered Neutron Detector (SPND) appears to offer strong physical characteristics in such an environment. However, they have so far only been used in fission reactors. In this work, a theoretical study has been carried out to analyse the signals that could be measured with these diagnostics.