Some Effects of Neutron Irradiation of Diamond

Abstract

FIVE type 2 diamonds, whose ability to transmit ultra-violet radiation and whose response as counters of α-particles had already been examined, were irradiated by neutrons in B.E.P.O. at Harwell. Typical curves showing the variation in counting response (in terms of maximum pulse-height) with radiation dosage are shown in the graph. The general behaviour leaves no doubt that the counting response is progressively reduced with increasing neutron exposure. Similarly, photometric measurements showed that a uniform reduction occurred in the ultra-violet transmission.