Neutron spectrum determination of accelerator-driven d(10)+Be neutron source using the multi-foil activation technique

0552415 - ÚJF 2023 RIV GB eng J - Journal Article
Štefánik, Milan - Šimečková, Eva - Bém, Pavel - Štursa, Jan - Zach, Václav - Mrázek, Jaromír
Neutron spectrum determination of accelerator-driven d(10)+Be neutron source using the multi-foil activation technique.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry. Roč. 190, JAN (2022), č. článku 109767. ISSN 0969-806X. E-ISSN 1879-0895
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT EF16_013/0001812; GA MŠMT(CZ) EF16_013/0001679; GA MŠMT LTAUSA18198
Research Infrastructure: CANAM II - 90056
Institutional support: RVO:61389005
Keywords : Compact accelerator-driven neutron source * Neutron spectra * Neutron activation technique * Gamma-ray spectrometry * Reaction rate * SAND-II unfolding code
OECD category: Nuclear related engineering
Impact factor: 2.9, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Limited access
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109767

New neutron field of the compact accelerator-driven fast neutron source based on the cyclotron and beryllium target station was studied and developed at the NPI CAS. Neutrons were generated using the deuteron bombardment on 8 mm thick beryllium layer by the 10.3 MeV deuteron beam. Broad neutron energy spectra of the d(10)+Be source reaction at two source-to-sample distances (14 mm and 154 mm) were determined for the first time at the NPI. Sets of eight activation materials comprising Au, Co, Ti, In, Al, Fe, Ni, and Nb were irradiated in the d(10)+Be neutron field, and activated dosimetry foils were analysed using the nuclear gammaspectroscopy technique (HPGe detector) and reaction rates were measured. Neutron energy spectra of the d + Be source reaction for 10.3 MeV deuterons were reconstructed employing the modified version of the SAND-II unfolding code. For 9.7 mu A deuteron beam, the fast neutron flux of developed d(10)+Be neutron field reached the value of 1.4 x 1010 cm- 2s- 1 at a distance of 14 mm from the source target and 4.1 x 108 cm- 2s- 1 at a distance of 154 mm. The novel d(10)+Be neutron field with energy range up to 15 MeV is convenient for neutron crosssection data validation, experimental simulation of the fast neutron spectrum of experimental nuclear reactors, applications of neutron activation analysis, and radiation hardness tests of materials important for nuclear energetics.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0327552