The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center Spallation Neutron Sources

DOE PAGES

Nowicki, Suzanne F.; Wender, Stephen A.; Mocko, Michael

2017-10-26

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) provides the scientific community with intense sources of neutrons, which can be used to perform experiments supporting civilian and national security research. These measurements include nuclear physics experiments for the defense program, basic science, and the radiation effect programs. This paper focuses on the radiation effects program, which involves mostly accelerated testing of semiconductor parts. When cosmic rays strike the earth's atmosphere, they cause nuclear reactions with elements in the air and produce a wide range of energetic particles. Because neutrons are uncharged, they can reach aircraft altitudes and sea level. These neutronsmore » are thought to be the most important threat to semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. The best way to determine the failure rate due to these neutrons is to measure the failure rate in a neutron source that has the same spectrum as those produced by cosmic rays. Los Alamos has a high-energy and a low-energy neutron source for semiconductor testing. Both are driven by the 800-MeV proton beam from the LANSCE accelerator. The high-energy neutron source at the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility uses a bare target that is designed to produce fast neutrons with energies from 100 keV to almost 800 MeV. The measured neutron energy distribution from WNR is very similar to that of the cosmic-ray-induced neutrons in the atmosphere. However, the flux provided at the WNR facility is typically 5×107 times more intense than the flux of the cosmic-ray-induced neutrons. This intense neutron flux allows testing at greatly accelerated rates. An irradiation test of less than an hour is equivalent to many years of neutron exposure due to cosmic-ray neutrons. The low-energy neutron source is located at the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center. It is based on a moderated source that provides useful neutrons from subthermal energies to ~100 keV. The characteristics of these sources

Analysis of energy resolution in the KURRI-LINAC pulsed neutron facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sano, Tadafumi; Hori, Jun-ichi; Takahashi, Yoshiyuki; Yashima, Hiroshi; Lee, Jaehong; Harada, Hideo

2017-09-01

In this study, we carried out Monte Carlo simulations to obtain the energy resolution of the neutron flux for TOF measurements in the KURRI-LINAC pulsed neutron facility. The simulation was performed on the moderated neutron flux from the pac-man type moderator at the energy range from 0.1 eV to 10 keV. As the result, we obtained the energy resolutions (ΔE/E) of about 0.7% to 1.3% between 0.1 eV to 10 keV. The energy resolution obtained from Monte Carlo simulation agreed with the resolution using the simplified evaluation formula. In addition, we compared the energy resolution among KURRI-LINAC and other TOF facilities, the energy dependency of the energy resolution with the pac-man type moderator in KURRI-LINAC was similar to the J-PARC ANNRI for the single-bunch mode.

A Neutron Multiplicity Meter for Deep Underground Muon-Induced High Energy Neutron Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hennings-Yeomans, Raul; Akerib, Daniel

2007-04-01

The nature of dark matter is one of the most important outstanding issues in particle physics, cosmology and astrophysics. A leading hypothesis is that Weakly Interacting Massive Particles, or WIMPs, were produced in the early universe and make up the dark matter. WIMP searches must be performed underground to shield from cosmic rays, which produce secondary particles that could fake a WIMP signal. Nuclear recoils from fast neutrons in underground laboratories are one of the most challenging backgrounds to WIMP detection. We present, for the first time, the design of an instrument capable of measuring the high energy (>60,eV) muon-induced neutron flux deep underground. The instrument is based on applying the Gd-loaded liquid-scintillator technique to measure the rate of multiple low energy neutron events produced in a Pb target and from this measurement to infer the rate of high energy neutron events. This unique signature allows both for efficient tagging of neutron multiplicity events as well as rejection of random gamma backgrounds so effectively that typical low-background techniques are not required. We will also discuss the benefits of using a neutron multiplicity meter as a component of active shielding.

Measurement of neutron-induced reactions on 242mAm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckner, M. Q.; Wu, C.-Y.; Henderson, R. A.; Bucher, B.; Chyzh, A.; Bredeweg, T. A.; Baramsai, B.; Couture, A.; Jandel, M.; Mosby, S.; Ullmann, J. L.; Dance Collaboration

2016-09-01

Neutron-induced reaction cross sections of 242mAm were measured at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center using the Detector for Advanced Neutron-Capture Experiments array along with a compact parallel-plate avalanche counter for fission-fragment detection. A new neutron-capture cross section was determined relative to a simultaneous measurement of the well-known 242mAm(n,f) cross section. The (n, γ) cross section was measured from thermal to an incident energy of 1 eV. Our new 242mAm fission cross section was normalized to ENDF/B-VII.1 and agreed well with the (n,f) cross section reported in the literature from thermal energy to 1 keV. The capture-to-fission ratio was determined from thermal energy to En = 0.1 eV, and it was found to be (n, γ)/(n,f) = 26(4)% compared to 19% from ENDF/B-VII.1. Our latest results will be reported. US Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344 and Los Alamos National Security, LLC Contract DE-AC52-06NA25396 and U.S. DOE/NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development.

Measurement of the Am 242 m neutron-induced reaction cross sections

DOE PAGES

Buckner, M. Q.; Wu, C. Y.; Henderson, R. A.; ...

2017-02-17

The neutron-induced reaction cross sections of 242mAm were measured at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center using the Detector for Advanced Neutron-Capture Experiments array along with a compact parallel-plate avalanche counter for fission-fragment detection. A new neutron-capture cross section was determined, and the absolute scale was set according to a concurrent measurement of the well-known 242mAm(n,f) cross section. The (n,γ) cross section was measured from thermal energy to an incident energy of 1 eV at which point the data quality was limited by the reaction yield in the laboratory. Our new 242mAm fission cross section was normalized to ENDF/B-VII.1 tomore » set the absolute scale, and it agreed well with the (n,f) cross section from thermal energy to 1 keV. Lastly, the average absolute capture-to-fission ratio was determined from thermal energy to E n = 0.1 eV, and it was found to be 26(4)% as opposed to the ratio of 19% from the ENDF/B-VII.1 evaluation.« less

DOSIMETRIC response of a REM-500 in low energy neutron fields typical of nuclear power plants.

PubMed

Aslam; Matysiak, W; Atanackovic, J; Waker, A J

2012-06-01

This study investigates the response of a REM-500 to assess neutron quality factor and dose equivalent in low energy neutron fields, which are commonly encountered in the workplace environment of nuclear power stations. The McMaster University 3 MV Van de Graaff accelerator facility was used to measure the response of the instrument in monoenergetic neutron fields in the energy range 51 to 727 keV by bombarding a thin LiF target with 1.93-2.50 MeV protons. The energy distribution of the neutron fields produced in the facility was measured by a (3)He filled gas ionization chamber. The MCA mode of the REM-500 instrument was used to collect lineal energy distributions at varying neutron energies and to calculate the frequency and dose-mean lineal energies. The effective quality factor, Q-, was also calculated using the values of Q(y)listed in the REM-500 operation manual and compared with those of ICRP 60. The authors observed a continuously increasing trend in y - F, y-D, and Q-with an increase in neutron energy. It is interesting to note that standard tissue equivalent proportional counters (TEPCs) filled with tissue equivalent(TE) gas give rise to a similar trend for these microdosimetric quantities of interest in the same energy range; however, the averages calculated in this study are larger by about 15%compared to a TEPC filled with propane-based TE gas probably because of the larger stopping power of protons in propane compared to TE gas. These somewhat larger event sizes did not result in any significant increase in the Q-compared to those obtained from a TEPC filled with TE gas and were found to be in good agreement with other measurements reported earlier at corresponding neutron energies. The instrument quality factor response, R(Q), defined as the ratio of measured quality factor to the calculated quality factor in an ICRU tissue sphere,was found to vary with neutron energy. The instrument response,R(Q), was ~0.6 at 727 keV, which deteriorates further to

Tests of a solution-grown stilbene scintillator in mono-energetic neutron beams of 565 keV and 5 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dioni, Luca; Gressier, Vincent; Nardin, Gaëlle; Jacqmin, Robert; Stout, Brian; Sumini, Marco

2018-02-01

The results of measurements performed with a solution-grown stilbene scintillator placed in reference mono-energetic neutron fields are presented. The ∅ 25 mm organic scintillator was positioned in 5 MeV and 565 keV neutron fields delivered by the AIFIRA facility at CENBG. The goal of the experiment was to assess the performance of the solution-grown stilbene crystal (n- γ discrimination, response, anisotropy, sensitivity) relative to that of a BC501A liquid scintillator of larger size. Neutron pulse height spectra after gamma discrimination are compared. The results show that the stilbene crystal not only has a better discrimination capability than the BC501A (35% higher FoM) at 5 MeV, but is also able to separate neutrons from gamma-rays at 565 keV and below, a range where the BC501A is inoperative. This study also confirms the anisotropy of the crystal response, as already observed by other groups at different energies.

[Neutron Dosimetry System Using CR-39 for High-energy X-ray Radiation Therapy].

PubMed

Yabuta, Kazutoshi; Monzen, Hajime; Tamura, Masaya; Tsuruta, Takao; Itou, Tetsuo; Nohtomi, Akihiro; Nishimura, Yasumasa

2014-01-01

Neutrons are produced during radiation treatment by megavolt X-ray energies. However, it is difficult to measure neutron dose especially just during the irradiation. Therefore, we have developed a system for measuring neutrons with the solid state track detector CR-39, which is free from the influence of the X-ray beams. The energy spectrum of the neutrons was estimated by a Monte Carlo simulation method, and the estimated neutron dose was corrected by the contribution ratio of each energy. Pit formation rates of CR-39 ranged from 2.3 x 10(-3) to 8.2 x 10(-3) for each detector studied. According to the estimated neutron energy spectrum, the energy values for calibration were 144 keV and 515keV, and the contribution ratios were approximately 40:60 for 10 MV photons and 20:70 for photons over 15 MV. Neutron doses measured in the center of a high-energy X-ray field were 0.045 mSv/Gy for a 10 MV linear accelerator and 0.85 mSv/Gy for a 20 MV linear accelerator. We successfully developed the new neutron dose measurement system using the solid track detector, CR-39. This on-time neutron measurement system allows users to measure neutron doses produced in the radiation treatment room more easily.

Enhancement of neutron radiation dose by the addition of sulphur-33 atoms.

PubMed

Porras, I

2008-04-07

The use of neutrons in radiotherapy allows the possibility of producing nuclear reactions in a specific target inserted in the medium. (10)B is being used to induce reactions (n, alpha), a technique called boron neutron capture therapy. I have studied the possibility of inducing a similar reaction using the nucleus of (33)S, for which the reaction cross section presents resonances for keV neutrons, the highest peak occurring at 13.5 keV. Here shown, by means of Monte Carlo simulation of point-like sources of neutrons in this energy range, is an enhancement effect on the absorbed dose in water by the addition of (33)S atoms. In addition to this, as the range of the alpha particle is of the order of a mammalian cell size, the energy deposition via this reaction results mainly inside the cells adjacent to the interaction site. The main conclusion of the present work is that the insertion of these sulphur atoms in tumoral cells would enhance the effect of neutron irradiation in the keV range.

Analytic computation of average energy of neutrons inducing fission

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Clark, Alexander Rich

2016-08-12

The objective of this report is to describe how I analytically computed the average energy of neutrons that induce fission in the bare BeRP ball. The motivation of this report is to resolve a discrepancy between the average energy computed via the FMULT and F4/FM cards in MCNP6 by comparison to the analytic results.

Evaluation of the 239 Pu prompt fission neutron spectrum induced by neutrons of 500 keV and associated covariances

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Neudecker, D.; Talou, P.; Kawano, T.

2015-08-01

We present evaluations of the prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) of (PU)-P-239 induced by 500 keV neutrons, and associated covariances. In a previous evaluation by Talon et al. (2010), surprisingly low evaluated uncertainties were obtained, partly due to simplifying assumptions in the quantification of uncertainties from experiment and model. Therefore, special emphasis is placed here on a thorough uncertainty quantification of experimental data and of the Los Alamos model predicted values entering the evaluation. In addition, the Los Alamos model was extended and an evaluation technique was employed that takes into account the qualitative differences between normalized model predicted valuesmore » and experimental shape data These improvements lead to changes in the evaluated PENS and overall larger evaluated uncertainties than in the previous work. However, these evaluated uncertainties are still smaller than those obtained in a statistical analysis using experimental information only, due to strong model correlations. Hence, suggestions to estimate model defect uncertainties are presented. which lead to more reasonable evaluated uncertainties. The calculated k(eff) of selected criticality benchmarks obtained with these new evaluations agree with each other within their uncertainties despite the different approaches to estimate model defect uncertainties. The k(eff) one standard deviations overlap with some of those obtained using ENDF/B-VILl, albeit their mean values are further away from unity. Spectral indexes for the Jezebel critical assembly calculated with the newly evaluated PFNS agree with the experimental data for selected (n,) and (n,f) reactions, and show improvements for highenergy threshold (n,2n) reactions compared to ENDF/B-VII.l. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.« less

Precise determination of neutron binding energy of 64Cu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Telezhnikov, S. A.; Granja, C.; Honzatko, J.; Pospisil, S.; Tomandl, I.

2016-05-01

The neutron binding energy in 64Cu has been accurately measured in thermal neutron capture. A composite target of natural Cu and NaCl was used on a high flux neutron beam using a large measuring time. The γ-ray spectrum emitted in the ( n, γ) reaction was measured with a HPGe detector in large statistics (up to 106 events per channel). Intrinsic limitations of HPGe detectors, which restrict the accuracy of energy calibration, were determined. The value B n of 64Cu was determined as 7915.867(24) keV.

A laser-induced repetitive fast neutron source applied for gold activation analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Sungman; Park, Sangsoon; Lee, Kitae; Cha, Hyungki

2012-12-01

A laser-induced repetitively operated fast neutron source was developed for applications in laser-driven nuclear physics research. The developed neutron source, which has a neutron yield of approximately 4 × 105 n/pulse and can be operated up to a pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz, was applied for a gold activation analysis. Relatively strong delayed gamma spectra of the activated gold were measured at 333 keV and 355 keV, and proved the possibility of the neutron source for activation analyses. In addition, the nuclear reactions responsible for the measured gamma spectra of gold were elucidated by the 14 MeV fast neutrons resulting from the D(t,n)He4 nuclear reaction, for which the required tritium originated from the primary fusion reaction, D(d,p)T3.

A laser-induced repetitive fast neutron source applied for gold activation analysis.

PubMed

Lee, Sungman; Park, Sangsoon; Lee, Kitae; Cha, Hyungki

2012-12-01

A laser-induced repetitively operated fast neutron source was developed for applications in laser-driven nuclear physics research. The developed neutron source, which has a neutron yield of approximately 4 × 10(5) n/pulse and can be operated up to a pulse repetition rate of 10 Hz, was applied for a gold activation analysis. Relatively strong delayed gamma spectra of the activated gold were measured at 333 keV and 355 keV, and proved the possibility of the neutron source for activation analyses. In addition, the nuclear reactions responsible for the measured gamma spectra of gold were elucidated by the 14 MeV fast neutrons resulting from the D(t,n)He(4) nuclear reaction, for which the required tritium originated from the primary fusion reaction, D(d,p)T(3).

The total kinetic energy release in the fast neutron-induced fission of 232Th

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

King, Jonathan; Yanez, Ricardo; Loveland, Walter

Here, the post-emission total kinetic energy release (TKE) in the neutron-induced fission of 232Th was measured (using white spectrum neutrons from LANSCE) for neutron energies from E n=3 to 91MeV. In this energy range the average post-neutron total kinetic energy release decreases from 162.3±0.3 at E n=3 MeV to 154.9±0.3 MeV at E n=91 MeV. Analysis of the fission mass distributions indicates that the decrease in TKE with increasing neutron energy is a combination of increasing yields of symmetric fission (which has a lower associated TKE) and a decrease in the TKE release in asymmetric fission.

The total kinetic energy release in the fast neutron-induced fission of 232Th

DOE PAGES

King, Jonathan; Yanez, Ricardo; Loveland, Walter; ...

2017-12-15

Here, the post-emission total kinetic energy release (TKE) in the neutron-induced fission of 232Th was measured (using white spectrum neutrons from LANSCE) for neutron energies from E n=3 to 91MeV. In this energy range the average post-neutron total kinetic energy release decreases from 162.3±0.3 at E n=3 MeV to 154.9±0.3 MeV at E n=91 MeV. Analysis of the fission mass distributions indicates that the decrease in TKE with increasing neutron energy is a combination of increasing yields of symmetric fission (which has a lower associated TKE) and a decrease in the TKE release in asymmetric fission.

Construction of 144, 565 keV and 5.0 MeV monoenergetic neutron calibration fields at JAERI.

PubMed

Tanimura, Y; Yoshizawa, M; Saegusa, J; Fujii, K; Shimizu, S; Yoshida, M; Shibata, Y; Uritani, A; Kudo, K

2004-01-01

Monoenergetic neutron calibration fields of 144, 565 keV and 5.0 MeV have been developed at the Facility of Radiation Standards of JAERI using a 4 MV Pelletron accelerator. The 7Li(p,n)7Be and 2H(d,n)3He reactions are employed for neutron production. The neutron energy was measured by the time-of-flight method with a liquid scintillation detector and calculated with the MCNP-ANT code. A long counter is employed as a neutron monitor because of the flat response. The monitor is set up where the influence of inscattered neutrons from devices and their supporting materials at a calibration point is as small as possible. The calibration coefficients from the monitor counts to the neutron fluence at a calibration point were obtained from the reference fluence measured with the transfer instrument of the primary standard laboratory (AIST), a 24.13 cm phi Bonner sphere counter. The traceability of the fields to AIST was established through the calibration.

DISPLACEMENT CASCADE SIMULATION IN TUNGSTEN UP TO 200 KEV OF DAMAGE ENERGY AT 300, 1025, AND 2050 K

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Setyawan, Wahyu; Nandipati, Giridhar; Roche, Kenneth J.

2015-09-22

We generated molecular dynamics database of primary defects that adequately covers the range of tungsten recoil energy imparted by 14-MeV neutrons. During this semi annual period, cascades at 150 and 200 keV at 300 and 1025 K were simulated. Overall, we included damage energy up to 200 keV at 300 and 1025 K, and up to 100 keV at 2050 K. We report the number of surviving Frenkel pairs (NF) and the size distribution of defect clusters. The slope of the NF curve versus cascade damage energy (EMD), on a log-log scale, changes at a transition energy (μ). For EMDmore » > μ, the cascade forms interconnected damage regions that facilitate the formation of large clusters of defects. At 300 K and EMD = 200 keV, the largest size of interstitial cluster and vacancy cluster is 266 and 335, respectively. Similarly, at 1025 K and EMD = 200 keV, the largest size of interstitial cluster and vacancy cluster is 296 and 338, respectively. At 2050 K, large interstitial clusters also routinely form, but practically no large vacancy clusters do« less

Neutron-induced reactions on AlF3 studied using the optical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Chun-Wang; Lv, Cui-Juan; Zhang, Guo-Qiang; Wang, Hong-Wei; Zuo, Jia-Xu

2015-08-01

Neutron-induced reactions on 27Al and 19F nuclei are investigated using the optical model implemented in the TALYS 1.4 toolkit. Incident neutron energies in a wide range from 0.1 keV to 30 MeV are calculated. The cross sections for the main channels (n, np), (n, p), (n, α), (n, 2n), and (n, γ) and the total reaction cross section (n, tot) of the reactions are obtained. When the default parameters in TALYS 1.4 are adopted, the calculated results agree with the measured results. Based on the calculated results for the n + 27Al and n + 19F reactions, the results of the n + 27Al19F reactions are predicted. These results are useful both for the design of thorium-based molten salt reactors and for neutron activation analysis techniques.

Investigating the response of Micromegas detector to low-energy neutrons using Monte Carlo simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khezripour, S.; Negarestani, A.; Rezaie, M. R.

2017-08-01

Micromegas detector has recently been used for high-energy neutron (HEN) detection, but the aim of this research is to investigate the response of the Micromegas detector to low-energy neutron (LEN). For this purpose, a Micromegas detector (with air, P10, BF3, 3He and Ar/BF3 mixture) was optimized for the detection of 60 keV neutrons using the MCNP (Monte Carlo N Particle) code. The simulation results show that the optimum thickness of the cathode is 1 mm and the optimum of microgrid location is 100 μm above the anode. The output current of this detector for Ar (3%) + BF3 (97%) mixture is greater than the other ones. This mixture is considered as the appropriate gas for the Micromegas neutron detector providing the output current for 60 keV neutrons at the level of 97.8 nA per neutron. Consecuently, this detector can be introduced as LEN detector.

Capture of a neutron to excited states of a {sup 9}Be nucleus taking into account resonance at 622 keV

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dubovichenko, S. B., E-mail: dubovichenko@gmail.com

2013-10-15

Radiative capture of a neutron to the ground and excited states of the 9Be nucleus is considered using the potential cluster model with forbidden states and with classification of cluster states by the Young schemes taking into account resonance at 622 keV for thermal and astrophysical energies.

Neutron-induced fission measurements at the time-of-flight facility nELBE

DOE PAGES

Kögler, T.; Beyer, R.; Junghans, A. R.; ...

2015-05-18

Neutron-induced fission of ²⁴²Pu is studied at the photoneutron source nELBE. The relative fast neutron fission cross section was determined using actinide fission chambers in a time-of-flight experiment. A good agreement of present nuclear data with evalua- tions has been achieved in the range of 100 keV to 10 MeV.

Dependence of the prompt fission γ-ray spectrum on the entrance channel of compound nucleus: Spontaneous vs. neutron-induced fission

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chyzh, A.; Jaffke, P.; Wu, C. Y.

Prompt γ-ray spectra were measured for the spontaneous fission of 240,242Pu and the neutron-induced fission of 239,241Pu with incident neutron energies ranging from thermal to about 100 keV. Measurements were made using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) array in coincidence with the detection of fission fragments using a parallel-plate avalanche counter. The unfolded prompt fission γ-ray energy spectra can be reproduced reasonably well by Monte Carlo Hauser–Feshbach statistical model for the neutron-induced fission channel but not for the spontaneous fission channel. However, this entrance-channel dependence of the prompt fission γ-ray emission can be described qualitatively by themore » model due to the very different fission-fragment mass distributions and a lower average fragment spin for spontaneous fission. The description of measurements and the discussion of results under the framework of a Monte Carlo Hauser–Feshbach statistical approach are presented.« less

Dependence of the prompt fission γ-ray spectrum on the entrance channel of compound nucleus: Spontaneous vs. neutron-induced fission

DOE PAGES

Chyzh, A.; Jaffke, P.; Wu, C. Y.; ...

2018-06-07

Prompt γ-ray spectra were measured for the spontaneous fission of 240,242Pu and the neutron-induced fission of 239,241Pu with incident neutron energies ranging from thermal to about 100 keV. Measurements were made using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) array in coincidence with the detection of fission fragments using a parallel-plate avalanche counter. The unfolded prompt fission γ-ray energy spectra can be reproduced reasonably well by Monte Carlo Hauser–Feshbach statistical model for the neutron-induced fission channel but not for the spontaneous fission channel. However, this entrance-channel dependence of the prompt fission γ-ray emission can be described qualitatively by themore » model due to the very different fission-fragment mass distributions and a lower average fragment spin for spontaneous fission. The description of measurements and the discussion of results under the framework of a Monte Carlo Hauser–Feshbach statistical approach are presented.« less

66.7-keV γ -line intensity of 171Tm determined via neutron activation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weigand, M.; Heftrich, T.; Düllmann, Ch. E.; Eberhardt, K.; Fiebiger, S.; Glorius, J.; Göbel, K.; Haas, R.; Langer, C.; Lohse, S.; Reifarth, R.; Renisch, D.; Wolf, C.

2018-03-01

Background: About 50% of the heavy elements are produced in stars during the slow neutron capture process. The analysis of branching points allows to set constraints on the temperature and the neutron density in the interior of stars. The temperature dependence of the branch point 171Tm is weak. Hence, the 171Tm neutron capture cross section can be used to constrain the neutron density during the main component of the s process in thermally pulsing asymptotic giant branch stars. Purpose: In order to perform neutron capture experiments on 171Tm, sample material has to be produced and characterized. The characterization is done by γ spectroscopy, relying on the intensities of the involved γ lines. Only the 66.7-keV γ line can be observed whose intensity was uncertain so far. Method: An enriched 170Er sample was activated with thermal neutrons at the TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics) research reactor at the Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. The activation resulted in an easily quantifiable number of 171Er nuclei that subsequently decayed to 171Tm. Result: The intensity of the 66.7-keV γ line of the 171Tm decay was measured to Iγ=(0.144 ±0.010 )% . Conclusions: Our result is in good agreement with the value found in the literature.

Neutron-induced Backgrounds in 134Xe for Large-Scale Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moriguchi, Nina; Kidd, Mary; Tornow, Werner

2016-09-01

136Xe is used in large neutrinoless double-beta (0 νββ) decay experiments, such as KamLAND- Zen and EXO 200. Though highly purified, 136Xe still contains a significant amount of 134Xe. Recently, a new nuclear energy level was found in 134Xe. If 134Xe decays from this proposed excited state, it will emit a 2485.7 keV gamma ray. Because this energy lies near the region of interest of 136Xe νββ decay experiments (Q value 2457.8 keV), it could make a significant contribution to the background. A purified gaseous sample of 134Xe will be irradiated with neutrons of an incident energy of 4.0 MeV at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory and monitored with high-purity germanium detectors. The spectra obtained from these detectors will be analyzed for the presence of the 2581 keV gamma ray. We will report on the status of this experiment. Future plans include expanding this measurement to higher initial neutron energies. Tennesse Tech University CISE Grant program.

Ionizing Energy Depositions After Fast Neutron Interactions in Silicon

DOE PAGES

Bergmann, Benedikt; Pospisil, Stanislav; Caicedo, Ivan; ...

2016-06-01

In our study we present the ionizing energy depositions in a 300 μm thick silicon layer after fast neutron impact. With the Time-of-Flight (ToF) technique, the ionizing energy deposition spectra of recoil silicons and secondary charged particles were assigned to (quasi-)monoenergetic neutron energies in the range from 180 keV to hundreds of MeV. We also show and interpret representative measured energy spectra. By separating the ionizing energy losses of the recoil silicon from energy depositions by products of nuclear reactions, the competition of ionizing (IEL) and non-ionizing energy losses (NIEL) of a recoil silicon within the silicon lattice was investigated.more » Furthermore, the data give supplementary information to the results of a previous measurement and are compared with different theoretical predictions.« less

Ionizing Energy Depositions After Fast Neutron Interactions in Silicon

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bergmann, Benedikt; Pospisil, Stanislav; Caicedo, Ivan

In our study we present the ionizing energy depositions in a 300 μm thick silicon layer after fast neutron impact. With the Time-of-Flight (ToF) technique, the ionizing energy deposition spectra of recoil silicons and secondary charged particles were assigned to (quasi-)monoenergetic neutron energies in the range from 180 keV to hundreds of MeV. We also show and interpret representative measured energy spectra. By separating the ionizing energy losses of the recoil silicon from energy depositions by products of nuclear reactions, the competition of ionizing (IEL) and non-ionizing energy losses (NIEL) of a recoil silicon within the silicon lattice was investigated.more » Furthermore, the data give supplementary information to the results of a previous measurement and are compared with different theoretical predictions.« less

Ionoluminescence properties of polystyrene-hosted fluorophore films induced by helium ions of energy 50-350 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Subha; Huang, Mengbing

2017-10-01

We report on measurements and analysis of ionoluminescence properties of pure polystyrene films and polystyrene films doped with four types of fluorophores in low kinetic energies (50-350 keV) of ion irradiation. We have developed a theoretical model to understand the experimentally observed ionoluminescence behaviors in terms of scintillation yield from individual ion tracks, photophysical energy transfer mechanisms, and irradiation-induced defects. A comparison of the model and experimental results suggests that singlet up-conversion resulting from triplet-triplet annihilation processes may be responsible for enhanced singlet emission of the fluorophores at high ion beam flux densities. Energy transfer from the polystyrene matrix to the fluorophore molecules has been identified as an effective pathway to increasing the fluorescence efficiency in the doped scintillator films.

Final design of the Energy-Resolved Neutron Imaging System “RADEN” at J-PARC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinohara, T.; Kai, T.; Oikawa, K.; Segawa, M.; Harada, M.; Nakatani, T.; Ooi, M.; Aizawa, K.; Sato, H.; Kamiyama, T.; Yokota, H.; Sera, T.; Mochiki, K.; Kiyanagi, Y.

2016-09-01

A new pulsed-neutron instrument, named the Energy-Resolved Neutron Imaging System “RADEN”, has been constructed at the beam line of BL22 in the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (MLF) of J-PARC. The primary purpose of this instrument is to perform energy-resolved neutron imaging experiments through the effective utilization of the pulsed nature of the neutron beam, making this the world's first instrument dedicated to pulsed neutron imaging experiments. RADEN was designed to cover a broad energy range: from cold neutrons with energy down to 1.05 meV (or wavelength up to 8.8 Å) with a good wavelength resolution of 0.20% to high-energy neutrons with energy of several tens keV (or wavelength of 10-3 Å). In addition, this instrument is intended to perform state-of-the-art neutron radiography and tomography experiments in Japan. Hence, a maximum beam size of 300 mm square and a high L/D value of up to 7500 are provided.

PANDORA, a large volume low-energy neutron detector with real-time neutron-gamma discrimination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuhl, L.; Sasano, M.; Yako, K.; Yasuda, J.; Baba, H.; Ota, S.; Uesaka, T.

2017-09-01

The PANDORA (Particle Analyzer Neutron Detector Of Real-time Acquisition) system, which was developed for use in inverse kinematics experiments with unstable isotope beams, is a neutron detector based on a plastic scintillator coupled to a digital readout. PANDORA can be used for any reaction study involving the emission of low energy neutrons (100 keV-10 MeV) where background suppression and an increased signal-to-noise ratio are crucial. The digital readout system provides an opportunity for pulse shape discrimination (PSD) of the detected particles as well as intelligent triggering based on PSD. The figure of merit results of PANDORA are compared to the data in literature. Using PANDORA, 91 ± 1% of all detected neutrons can be separated, while 91 ± 1% of the detected gamma rays can be excluded, reducing the gamma ray background by one order of magnitude.

Neutron-Induced Charged Particle Studies at LANSCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hye Young; Haight, Robert C.

2014-09-01

Direct measurements on neutron-induced charged particle reactions are of interest for nuclear astrophysics and applied nuclear energy. LANSCE (Los Alamos Neutron Science Center) produces neutrons in energy of thermal to several hundreds MeV. There has been an effort at LANSCE to upgrade neutron-induced charged particle detection technique, which follows on (n,z) measurements made previously here and will have improved capabilities including larger solid angles, higher efficiency, and better signal to background ratios. For studying cross sections of low-energy neutron induced alpha reactions, Frisch-gridded ionization chamber is designed with segmented anodes for improving signal-to-noise ratio near reaction thresholds. Since double-differential cross sections on (n,p) and (n,a) reactions up to tens of MeV provide important information on deducing nuclear level density, the ionization chamber will be coupled with silicon strip detectors (DSSD) in order to stop energetic charged particles. In this paper, we will present the status of this development including the progress on detector design, calibrations and Monte Carlo simulations. This work is funded by the US Department of Energy - Los Alamos National Security, LLC under Contract DE-AC52-06NA25396.

Neutron-fragment and Neutron-neutron Correlations in Low-energy Fission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestone, J. P.

2016-01-01

A computational method has been developed to simulate neutron emission from thermal-neutron induced fission of 235U and from spontaneous fission of 252Cf. Measured pre-emission mass-yield curves, average total kinetic energies and their variances, both as functions of mass split, are used to obtain a representation of the distribution of fragment velocities. Measured average neutron multiplicities as a function of mass split and their dependence on total kinetic energy are used. Simulations can be made to reproduce measured factorial moments of neutron-multiplicity distributions with only minor empirical adjustments to some experimental inputs. The neutron-emission spectra in the rest-frame of the fragments are highly constrained by ENDF/B-VII.1 prompt-fission neutron-spectra evaluations. The n-f correlation measurements of Vorobyev et al. (2010) are consistent with predictions where all neutrons are assumed to be evaporated isotropically from the rest frame of fully accelerated fragments. Measured n-f and n-n correlations of others are a little weaker than the predictions presented here. These weaker correlations could be used to infer a weak scission-neutron source. However, the effect of neutron scattering on the experimental results must be studied in detail before moving away from a null hypothesis that all neutrons are evaporated from the fragments.

Neutron kinetics in moderators and SNM detection through epithermal-neutron-induced fissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gozani, Tsahi; King, Michael J.

2016-01-01

Extension of the well-established Differential Die Away Analysis (DDAA) into a faster time domain, where more penetrating epithermal neutrons induce fissions, is proposed and demonstrated via simulations and experiments. In the proposed method the fissions stimulated by thermal, epithermal and even higher-energy neutrons are measured after injection of a narrow pulse of high-energy 14 MeV (d,T) or 2.5 MeV (d,D) source neutrons, appropriately moderated. The ability to measure these fissions stems from the inherent correlation of neutron energy and time ("E-T" correlation) during the process of slowing down of high-energy source neutrons in common moderating materials such as hydrogenous compounds (e.g., polyethylene), heavy water, beryllium and graphite. The kinetic behavior following injection of a delta-function-shaped pulse (in time) of 14 MeV neutrons into such moderators is studied employing MCNPX simulations and, when applicable, some simple "one-group" models. These calculations served as a guide for the design of a source moderator which was used in experiments. Qualitative relationships between slowing-down time after the pulse and the prevailing neutron energy are discussed. A laboratory system consisting of a 14 MeV neutron generator, a polyethylene-reflected Be moderator, a liquid scintillator with pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) and a two-parameter E-T data acquisition system was set up to measure prompt neutron and delayed gamma-ray fission signatures in a 19.5% enriched LEU sample. The measured time behavior of thermal and epithermal neutron fission signals agreed well with the detailed simulations. The laboratory system can readily be redesigned and deployed as a mobile inspection system for SNM in, e.g., cars and vans. A strong pulsed neutron generator with narrow pulse (<75 ns) at a reasonably high pulse frequency could make the high-energy neutron induced fission modality a realizable SNM detection technique.

Using neutrons to measure keV temperatures in highly compressed plastic at multi-Gbar pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nilsen, J.; Bachmann, B.; Zimmerman, G. B.; Hatarik, R.; Döppner, T.; Swift, D.; Hawreliak, J.; Collins, G. W.; Falcone, R. W.; Glenzer, S. H.; Kraus, D.; Landen, O. L.; Kritcher, A. L.

2016-12-01

We have designed an experiment for the National Ignition Facility to measure the Hugoniot of materials such as plastic at extreme pressures. The design employs a strong spherically converging shock launched through a solid ball of material using a hohlraum radiation drive. The shock front conditions can be characterized using X-ray radiography until background from shock coalescence overtakes the backlit signal. Shock coalescence at the center is predicted to reach tens of Gbars and can be further characterized by measuring the X-ray self-emission and 2.45 MeV neutrons emitted from the shock flash region. In this simulation design work the standard plastic sphere is replaced with a deuterated polyethylene sphere, CD2, that reaches sufficiently high densities and temperatures in the central hot spot to produce neutrons from Deuterium-Deuterium (DD) fusion reactions that can be measured by a neutron time of flight spectrometer (nTOF) and act as a temperature diagnostic. This paper focuses on the design of these experiments, based on an extensive suite of radiation-hydrodynamics simulations, and the interpretation of the predicted DD neutron signals. The simulations predict mean temperatures of 1 keV in the central hot spot with mean densities of 33 g/cc and mean pressures of 25 Gbar. A preliminary comparison with early experimental results looks promising with an average ion temperature of 1.06 ± 0.15 keV in the central hot spot estimated from the nTOF spectral width and measured neutron yield of 7.0 (±0.5) × 109 DD neutrons.

Search For Anomalous n-p Scattering At 60 eV-140 keV

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moreh, R.; Block, R. C.; Danon, Y.

2009-01-28

A search for an anomalous n-p scattering from a polyethylene sample (CH{sub 2}) at 8 final energies between 64 eV and 2.5 keV was carried out. The scattering intensities were compared to that from a graphite (C) sample. The results were found to confirm our previous n-p results on H{sub 2}O at a final energy of 24.3 keV where no n-p scattering anomaly was observed. The present results refute all proposed models attempting to explain the occurrence of any n-p scattering anomaly at keV neutron energies.

Inelastic neutron scattering from {sup 238}U

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moxon, M.C.; Wartena, J.A.; Weigmann, H.

1994-12-31

A measurement of the neutron inelastic scattering cross-section of {sup 238}U at 4 distant neutron energies in the low keV region has been undertaken using a 30m flight path on the pulsed neutron source GELINA. The scattered neutrons are detected in a plastic scintillator after passing through a 270 mm iron filter. The values obtained for the cross-section to the first excited 2{sup +} state in {sup 238}U are 293{+-}31, 660{+-}296, 978{+-}73 and 1176{+-}95 mb at neutron energies of 68.2, 126.6, 182.4 and 213.6 keV respectively.

Evaluations of Energy Spectra of Neutrons Emitted Promptly in Neutron-induced Fission of 235 U and 239 Pu

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Neudecker, Denise; Talou, Patrick; Kawano, Toshihiko

The energy spectra of neutrons emitted promptly in the neutron-induced fission reactions of 235U and 239Pu were re-evaluated for ENDF/B-VIII.0. The evaluations presented here are based on a careful modeling of all relevant physics processes, an extensive analysis of experimental data and a detailed quantification of pertinent uncertainties. Energy spectra of neutrons emitted in up to fourth chance fission are considered and both compound and pre-equilibrium processes are included. Also, important nuclear model parameters, such as the average total kinetic energy of the fission fragments and the multiple chance fission probabilities, and their uncertainties are estimated based on experimental knowledge,more » model information and evaluated data. In addition to experimental information already available for ENDF/B-VII.1, these new evaluations make use of recently published experimental data either of high precision or spanning a broad incident energy range, information on legacy measurements explaining discrepancies and recently measured data of the average total kinetic energy as a function of incident neutron energy. The resulting evaluated data and covariances agree well with the experimental database used for the evaluation. However, the evaluated spectra are softer than the 235U and 239Pu ENDF/B-VII.1, JENDL-4.0 and JEFF-3.2 evaluations for incident neutron energies E inc ≤ 1.5 MeV and E inc ≤ 5 MeV, respectively. For E inc > 5 MeV, the evaluated spectra show structures due to the improved modeling which are not present in ENDF/B-VII.1 and JEFF-3.2 but can be observed in JENDL-4.0 evaluations. Part of these new evaluations were adopted for ENDF/B-VIII.0, while the ENDF/B-VII.1 239Pu PFNS was retained for E inc ≤ 5 MeV awaiting more conclusive experimental evidence.« less

Evaluations of Energy Spectra of Neutrons Emitted Promptly in Neutron-induced Fission of 235 U and 239 Pu

DOE PAGES

Neudecker, Denise; Talou, Patrick; Kawano, Toshihiko; ...

2018-02-01

The energy spectra of neutrons emitted promptly in the neutron-induced fission reactions of 235U and 239Pu were re-evaluated for ENDF/B-VIII.0. The evaluations presented here are based on a careful modeling of all relevant physics processes, an extensive analysis of experimental data and a detailed quantification of pertinent uncertainties. Energy spectra of neutrons emitted in up to fourth chance fission are considered and both compound and pre-equilibrium processes are included. Also, important nuclear model parameters, such as the average total kinetic energy of the fission fragments and the multiple chance fission probabilities, and their uncertainties are estimated based on experimental knowledge,more » model information and evaluated data. In addition to experimental information already available for ENDF/B-VII.1, these new evaluations make use of recently published experimental data either of high precision or spanning a broad incident energy range, information on legacy measurements explaining discrepancies and recently measured data of the average total kinetic energy as a function of incident neutron energy. The resulting evaluated data and covariances agree well with the experimental database used for the evaluation. However, the evaluated spectra are softer than the 235U and 239Pu ENDF/B-VII.1, JENDL-4.0 and JEFF-3.2 evaluations for incident neutron energies E inc ≤ 1.5 MeV and E inc ≤ 5 MeV, respectively. For E inc > 5 MeV, the evaluated spectra show structures due to the improved modeling which are not present in ENDF/B-VII.1 and JEFF-3.2 but can be observed in JENDL-4.0 evaluations. Part of these new evaluations were adopted for ENDF/B-VIII.0, while the ENDF/B-VII.1 239Pu PFNS was retained for E inc ≤ 5 MeV awaiting more conclusive experimental evidence.« less

Evaluations of Energy Spectra of Neutrons Emitted Promptly in Neutron-induced Fission of 235U and 239Pu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neudecker, D.; Talou, P.; Kawano, T.; Kahler, A. C.; White, M. C.; Taddeucci, T. N.; Haight, R. C.; Kiedrowski, B.; O'Donnell, J. M.; Gomez, J. A.; Kelly, K. J.; Devlin, M.; Rising, M. E.

2018-02-01

The energy spectra of neutrons emitted promptly in the neutron-induced fission reactions of 235U and 239Pu were re-evaluated for ENDF/B-VIII.0. These evaluations are based on a careful modeling of all relevant physics processes, an extensive analysis of experimental data and a detailed quantification of pertinent uncertainties. Energy spectra of neutrons emitted in up to fourth chance fission are considered and both compound and pre-equilibrium processes are included. Also, important nuclear model parameters, such as the average total kinetic energy of the fission fragments and the multiple chance fission probabilities, and their uncertainties are estimated based on experimental knowledge, model information and evaluated data. In addition to experimental information already available for ENDF/B-VII.1, these new evaluations make use of recently published experimental data either of high precision or spanning a broad incident energy range, information on legacy measurements explaining discrepancies and recently measured data of the average total kinetic energy as a function of incident neutron energy. The resulting evaluated data and covariances agree well with the experimental database used for the evaluation. However, the evaluated spectra are softer than the 235U and 239Pu ENDF/B-VII.1, JENDL-4.0 and JEFF-3.2 evaluations for incident neutron energies Einc ≤ 1.5 MeV and Einc ≤ 5 MeV, respectively. For Einc > 5 MeV, the evaluated spectra show structures due to the improved modeling which are not present in ENDF/B-VII.1 and JEFF-3.2 but can be observed in JENDL-4.0 evaluations. Part of these new evaluations were adopted for ENDF/B-VIII.0, while the ENDF/B-VII.1 239Pu PFNS was retained for Einc ≤ 5 MeV awaiting more conclusive experimental evidence.

Muon-Induced Neutrons Do Not Explain the DAMA Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klinger, J.; Kudryavtsev, V. A.

2015-04-01

We present an accurate model of the muon-induced background in the DAMA/LIBRA experiment. Our work challenges proposed mechanisms which seek to explain the observed DAMA signal modulation with muon-induced backgrounds. Muon generation and transport are performed using the MUSIC /MUSUN code, and subsequent interactions in the vicinity of the DAMA detector cavern are simulated with Geant4. We estimate the total muon-induced neutron flux in the detector cavern to be Φnν=1.0 ×10-9 cm-2 s-1 . We predict 3.49 ×10-5 counts /day /kg /keV , which accounts for less than 0.3% of the DAMA signal modulation amplitude.

Unifying measurement of 239Pu(n ,γ ) in the keV to MeV energy regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosby, S.; Bredeweg, T. A.; Couture, A.; Jandel, M.; Kawano, T.; Ullmann, J. L.; Henderson, R. A.; Wu, C. Y.

2018-04-01

A single, unifying measurement of the 239Pu capture cross section from 1 keV to 1.3 MeV has been performed for the first time using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The experimental method combines a prior experiment's characterization of prompt fission γ rays in conjunction with a fission tagging detector with a separate experiment using a thick 239Pu sample to extract the neutron capture cross section in ratio to 239Pu(n ,f ) . We have made new predictions of the capture cross section taking into account recent results for the M 1 scissors mode present in other actinides. The results show deviations from current evaluations which are 30% higher at the highest energies, and will be used to improve calculations relevant for several applications.

Performance of the Versatile Array of Neutron Detectors at Low Energy (VANDLE)

DOE PAGES

Peters, W. A.; Ilyushkin, S.; Madurga, M.; ...

2016-08-26

The Versatile Array of Neutron Detectors at Low Energy (VANDLE) is a new, highly efficient plastic-scintillator array constructed for decay and transfer reaction experimental setups that require neutron detection. The versatile and modular design allows for customizable experimental setups including beta-delayed neutron spectroscopy and (d,n) transfer reactions in normal and inverse kinematics. The neutron energy and prompt-photon discrimination is determined through the time of flight technique. Fully digital data acquisition electronics and integrated triggering logic enables some VANDLE modules to achieve an intrinsic efficiency over 70% for 300-keV neutrons, measured through two different methods. A custom Geant4 simulation models aspectsmore » of the detector array and the experimental setups to determine efficiency and detector response. Lastly, a low detection threshold, due to the trigger logic and digitizing data acquisition, allowed us to measure the light-yield response curve from elastically scattered carbon nuclei inside the scintillating plastic from incident neutrons with kinetic energies below 2 MeV.« less

ENERGY RESPONSE OF FLUORESCENT NUCLEAR TRACK DETECTORS OF VARIOUS COLORATIONS TO MONOENERGETIC NEUTRONS.

PubMed

Fomenko, V; Moreno, B; Million, M; Harrison, J; Akselrod, M

2017-10-25

The neutron-energy dependence of the track-counting sensitivity of fluorescent nuclear track detectors (FNTDs) at two ranges of Mg doping, resulting in different crystal colorations, was investigated. The performance of FNTDs was studied with the following converters: Li-glass for thermal to intermediate-energy neutrons, polyethylene for fast neutrons, and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon™) for photon- and radon-background subtraction. The irradiations with monoenergetic neutrons were performed at the National Physics Laboratory (NPL), UK. The energy range was varied from 144 keV to 16.5 MeV in the personal dose equivalent range from 1 to 3 mSv. Monte Carlo simulations were performed to model the response of FNTDs to monoenergetic neutrons. A good agreement with the experimental data was observed suggesting the development of a basic model for future MC studies. Further work will focus on increasing FNTD sensitivity to low-energy neutrons and developing a faster imaging technique for scanning larger areas to improve counting statistics. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Using neutrons to measure keV temperatures in highly compressed plastic at multi-Gbar pressures

DOE PAGES

Nilsen, J.; Bachmann, B.; Zimmerman, G. B.; ...

2016-10-27

In this study, we have designed an experiment for the National Ignition Facility to measure the Hugoniot of materials such as plastic at extreme pressures. The design employs a strong spherically converging shock launched through a solid ball of material using a hohlraum radiation drive. The shock front conditions can be characterized using X-ray radiography until background from shock coalescence overtakes the backlit signal. Shock coalescence at the center is predicted to reach tens of Gbars and can be further characterized by measuring the X-ray self-emission and 2.45 MeV neutrons emitted from the shock flash region. In this simulation designmore » work the standard plastic sphere is replaced with a deuterated polyethylene sphere, CD 2, that reaches sufficiently high densities and temperatures in the central hot spot to produce neutrons from Deuterium-Deuterium (DD) fusion reactions that can be measured by a neutron time of flight spectrometer (nTOF) and act as a temperature diagnostic. This paper focuses on the design of these experiments, based on an extensive suite of radiation-hydrodynamics simulations, and the interpretation of the predicted DD neutron signals. The simulations predict mean temperatures of 1 keV in the central hot spot with mean densities of 33 g/cc and mean pressures of 25 Gbar. Lastly, a preliminary comparison with early experimental results looks promising with an average ion temperature of 1.06 ± 0.15 keV in the central hot spot estimated from the nTOF spectral width and measured neutron yield of 7.0 (±0.5) × 10 9 DD neutrons.« less

Neutron Inelastic Scattering on 134Xe at En = 5 - 8 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kidd, Mary; Tornow, Werner; Finch, Sean; Krishichayan, Fnu; Bhike, Megha

2017-09-01

Neutrinoless double-beta decay (0 νββ) studies are both the best way to determine the Majorana nature of the neutrino and determine its effective mass. The two main experiments searching for 0 νββ -decay of 136Xe (Q value = 2457.8 keV) are Kamland-Zen and EXO-200. Though both experiments have enriched 136Xe targets, these targets still contain significant quantities of 134Xe. Recently, a new nuclear level was discovered in 134Xe that decays to the ground state emitting a 2485.7 keV gamma ray. The γ-ray production cross section for this branch was found to be on the order of 10 mb for incident neutron energies of 2.5-4.5 MeV. Here, we have extended the investigation of this level to higher incident neutron energies, and further explore the potential neutron-induced backgrounds on both 134Xe and 136Xe for extended neutron energies. We will report our preliminary results for neutron inelastic scattering on 134Xe in applications to 0 νββ decay searches. NSF PHY-1614348, DE-FG02-97ER41033.

Modelling Neutron-induced Reactions on 232–237U from 10 keV up to 30 MeV

DOE PAGES

Sin, M.; Capote, R.; Herman, M. W.; ...

2017-01-17

Comprehensive calculations of cross sections for neutron-induced reactions on 232–237U targets are performed in this paper in the 10 keV–30 MeV incident energy range with the code EMPIRE–3.2 Malta. The advanced modelling and consistent calculation scheme are aimed at improving our knowledge of the neutron scattering and emission cross sections, and to assess the consistency of available evaluated libraries for light uranium isotopes. The reaction model considers a dispersive optical potential (RIPL 2408) that couples from five (even targets) to nine (odd targets) levels of the ground-state rotational band, and a triple-humped fission barrier with absorption in the wells describedmore » within the optical model for fission. A modified Lorentzian model (MLO) of the radiative strength function and Enhanced Generalized Superfluid Model nuclear level densities are used in Hauser-Feschbach calculations of the compound-nuclear decay that include width fluctuation corrections. The starting values for the model parameters are retrieved from RIPL. Excellent agreement with available experimental data for neutron emission and fission is achieved, giving confidence that the quantities for which there is no experimental information are also accurately predicted. Finally, deficiencies in existing evaluated libraries are highlighted.« less

Superconducting High Resolution Fast-Neutron Spectrometers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hau, Ionel Dragos

2006-01-01

Superconducting high resolution fast-neutron calorimetric spectrometers based on 6LiF and TiB{sub 2} absorbers have been developed. These novel cryogenic spectrometers measure the temperature rise produced in exothermal (n, α) reactions with fast neutrons in 6Li and 10B-loaded materials with heat capacity C operating at temperatures T close to 0.1 K. Temperature variations on the order of 0.5 mK are measured with a Mo/Cu thin film multilayer operated in the transition region between its superconducting and its normal state. The advantage of calorimetry for high resolution spectroscopy is due to the small phonon excitation energies k BT on the order ofmore » μeV that serve as signal carriers, resulting in an energy resolution ΔE ~ (k BT 2C) 1/2, which can be well below 10 keV. An energy resolution of 5.5 keV has been obtained with a Mo/Cu superconducting sensor and a TiB 2 absorber using thermal neutrons from a 252Cf neutron source. This resolution is sufficient to observe the effect of recoil nuclei broadening in neutron spectra, which has been related to the lifetime of the first excited state in 7Li. Fast-neutron spectra obtained with a 6Li-enriched LiF absorber show an energy resolution of 16 keV FWHM, and a response in agreement with the 6Li(n, α) 3H reaction cross section and Monte Carlo simulations for energies up to several MeV. The energy resolution of order of a few keV makes this novel instrument applicable to fast-neutron transmission spectroscopy based on the unique elemental signature provided by the neutron absorption and scattering resonances. The optimization of the energy resolution based on analytical and numerical models of the detector response is discussed in the context of these applications.« less

Unifying measurement of Pu 239 ( n , γ ) in the keV to MeV energy regime

DOE PAGES

Mosby, S.; Bredeweg, T. A.; Couture, A.; ...

2018-04-23

A single, unifying measurement of the 239Pu capture cross section from 1 keV to 1.3 MeV has been performed for the first time using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The experimental method combines a prior experiment's characterization of prompt fission γ rays in conjunction with a fission tagging detector with a separate experiment using a thick 239Pu sample to extract the neutron capture cross section in ratio to 239Pu (n, f). We have made new predictions of the capture cross section taking into account recent results for the M1more » scissors mode present in other actinides. The results show deviations from current evaluations which are 30% higher at the highest energies, and will be used to improve calculations relevant for several applications.« less

A Measurement of the Interaction of Neutrons With 7Be at Cosmological Energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kading, E. E.; Gai, M.; Palchan, T.; Paul, M.; Tessler, M.; Weiss, A.; Berkovits, D.; Halfon, Sh.; Kijel, D.; Kreisel, A.; Shor, A.; Silverman, I.; Weissman, L.; Dressler, R.; Heinitz, S.; Maugeri, E. A.; Schumann, D.; Hass, M.; Mukul, I.; Shachar, Y.; Seiffert, Ch,; Stora, Th.; Ticehurst, D.; Howell, C. R.; Kivel, N.

2016-09-01

We exposed the 4.4 GBq electroplated 7Be target prepared at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland to the high neutrons flux of 5x1010 /sec/cm2 generated by the LiLiT at the Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF) in Israel. The so produced quasi-Maxwelian neutron spectrum with an equivalent kT = 49.2 keV simulate directly BBN conditions with T = 700 - 500 MK (kT = 60 - 43 keV), allowing the first measurement at Big Bang energies. The measured alpha-particles emanating from all possible 8Be states populated in the 7Be(n, α) and 7Be(n, γα) reaction, detected with a CR39 plastic track detectors, will be shown and discussed. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S - Israel Binational Science Foundation, under Award Number 2012098 and the US. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, under Award Number DE-FG02-94ER40870.

Variational calculation of ground-state energy of iron atoms and condensed matter in strong magnetic fields. [at neutron star surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flowers, E. G.; Ruderman, M. A.; Lee, J.-F.; Sutherland, P. G.; Hillebrandt, W.; Mueller, E.

1977-01-01

Variational calculations of the binding energies of iron atoms and condensed matter in strong magnetic fields (greater than 10 to the 12th gauss). These calculations include the electron exchange energy. The cohesive energy of the condensed matter, which is the difference between these two binding energies, is of interest in pulsar theories and in the description of the surfaces of neutron stars. It is found that the cohesive energy ranges from 2.6 keV to 8.0 keV.

Surface damage studies of ETFE polymer bombarded with low energy Si ions (⩽100 keV)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minamisawa, Renato Amaral; Almeida, Adelaide De; Budak, Satilmis; Abidzina, Volha; Ila, Daryush

2007-08-01

Surface studies of ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), bombarded with Si in a high-energy tandem Pelletron accelerator, have recently been reported. Si ion bombardment with a few MeV to a few hundred keV energies was shown to be sufficient to produce damage on ETFE film. We report here the use of a low energy implanter with Si ion energies lower than 100 keV, to induce changes on ETFE films. In order to determine the radiation damage, ETFE bombarded films were simulated with SRIM software and analyzed with optical absorption photometry (OAP), Raman and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy to show quantitatively the physical and chemical property changes. Carbonization occurs following higher dose implantation, and hydroperoxides were formed following dehydroflorination of the polymer.

Measurement of Lα and Lβ1,3,4 fluorescence cross sections of La, Ce, Pr and Nd induced by photons of energies between 7.01 keV and 8.75 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reyes-Herrera, J.; Miranda, J.

2016-06-01

This study presents measurement results of x-ray production cross sections of Lα and Lβ1,3,4 emitted by four lanthanoid elements (La, Ce, Pr and Nd), after irradiation with Kα and Kβ X rays of the elements Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn (covering energies between 7.01 keV and 8.75 keV). Primary x-rays were induced in turn by the irradiation of thick targets of these elements with a beam of x-rays produced by a tube with an Rh anode, operating at 50 kV and 850 μA. The experimental results are compared with theoretical cross sections predicted using known tabulations of photoelectric cross sections. Dirac-Hartree-Slater (DHS) atomic parameters were used for these calculations. An acceptable match between experiment and both sets of tabulated data is found.

Radiative neutron capture cross section from 236U

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baramsai, B.; Jandel, M.; Bredeweg, T. A.; Bond, E. M.; Roman, A. R.; Rusev, G.; Walker, C. L.; Couture, A.; Mosby, S.; O'Donnell, J. M.; Ullmann, J. L.; Kawano, T.

2017-08-01

The 236U(n ,γ ) reaction cross section has been measured for the incident neutron energy range from 10 eV to 800 keV by using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) γ -ray calorimeter at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The cross section was determined with the ratio method, which is a technique that uses the 235U(n ,f ) reaction as a reference. The results of the experiment are reported in the resolved and unresolved resonance energy regions. Individual neutron resonance parameters were obtained below 1 keV incident energy by using the R -matrix code sammy. The cross section in the unresolved resonance region is determined with improved experimental uncertainty. It agrees with both ENDF/B-VII.1 and JEFF-3.2 nuclear data libraries. The results above 10 keV agree better with the JEFF-3.2 library.

Solar neutrino flux at keV energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vitagliano, Edoardo; Redondo, Javier; Raffelt, Georg

2017-12-01

We calculate the solar neutrino and antineutrino flux in the keV energy range. The dominant thermal source processes are photo production (γ e→ e νbar nu), bremsstrahlung (e+Ze→ Ze+e+νbar nu), plasmon decay (γ→νbar nu), and νbar nu emission in free-bound and bound-bound transitions of partially ionized elements heavier than hydrogen and helium. These latter processes dominate in the energy range of a few keV and thus carry information about the solar metallicity. To calculate their rate we use libraries of monochromatic photon radiative opacities in analogy to a previous calculation of solar axion emission. Our overall flux spectrum and many details differ significantly from previous works. While this low-energy flux is not measurable with present-day technology, it could become a significant background for future direct searches for keV-mass sterile neutrino dark matter.

The Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum of 235U(n,f) below 2.5 MeV for Incident Neutrons from 0.7 to 20 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devlin, M.; Gomez, J. A.; Kelly, K. J.; Haight, R. C.; O'Donnell, J. M.; Taddeucci, T. N.; Lee, H. Y.; Mosby, S. M.; Perdue, B. A.; Fotiades, N.; Ullmann, J. L.; Wu, C. Y.; Bucher, B.; Buckner, M. Q.; Henderson, R. A.; Neudecker, D.; White, M. C.; Talou, P.; Rising, M. E.; Solomon, C. J.

2018-02-01

New prompt fission neutron spectrum measurements are reported for 235U(n , f) reactions induced by neutrons with energies from 0.7 to 20 MeV. These measurements cover outgoing neutron energies from 2.5 MeV down to 10 keV, using an array of 6Li-glass scintillators for neutron detection and a double time-of-flight technique. The neutrons were produced at the Weapons Neutron Research facility of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. A detailed MCNP® model of the experimental equipment and the surrounding room was used to interpret the experimental results. Backgrounds were measured in situ, making use of the time-dependent singles rates of the various detectors with asynchronous readout from waveform digitizers. The results presented here have been included in a re-evaluation of the fission neutron spectra for this fissioning system, a description of which is presented elsewhere in this issue.

Measurement and resonance analysis of the 33S(n ,α )30Si cross section at the CERN n_TOF facility in the energy region from 10 to 300 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Praena, J.; Sabaté-Gilarte, M.; Porras, I.; Quesada, J. M.; Altstadt, S.; Andrzejewski, J.; Audouin, L.; Bécares, V.; Barbagallo, M.; Bečvář, F.; Belloni, F.; Berthoumieux, E.; Billowes, J.; Boccone, V.; Bosnar, D.; Brugger, M.; Calviño, F.; Calviani, M.; Cano-Ott, D.; Carrapiço, C.; Cerutti, F.; Chiaveri, E.; Chin, M.; Colonna, N.; Cortés, G.; Cortés-Giraldo, M. A.; Diakaki, M.; Dietz, M.; Domingo-Pardo, C.; Dressler, R.; Durán, I.; Eleftheriadis, C.; Ferrari, A.; Fraval, K.; Furman, V.; Göbel, K.; Gómez-Hornillos, M. B.; Ganesan, S.; García, A. R.; Giubrone, G.; Gonçalves, I. F.; González-Romero, E.; Goverdovski, A.; Griesmayer, E.; Guerrero, C.; Gunsing, F.; Heftrich, T.; Hernández-Prieto, A.; Heyse, J.; Jenkins, D. G.; Jericha, E.; Käppeler, F.; Kadi, Y.; Karadimos, D.; Katabuchi, T.; Ketlerov, V.; Khryachkov, V.; Kivel, N.; Koehler, P.; Kokkoris, M.; Kroll, J.; Krtička, M.; Lampoudis, C.; Langer, C.; Leal-Cidoncha, E.; Lederer-Woods, C.; Leeb, H.; Leong, L. S.; Lerendegui-Marco, J.; Losito, R.; Mallick, A.; Manousos, A.; Marganiec, J.; Martínez, T.; Massimi, C.; Mastinu, P.; Mastromarco, M.; Mendoza, E.; Mengoni, A.; Milazzo, P. M.; Mingrone, F.; Mirea, M.; Mondelaers, W.; Paradela, C.; Pavlik, A.; Perkowski, J.; Plompen, A. J. M.; Rauscher, T.; Reifarth, R.; Riego-Perez, A.; Robles, M.; Rubbia, C.; Ryan, J. A.; Sarmento, R.; Saxena, A.; Schillebeeckx, P.; Schmidt, S.; Schumann, D.; Sedyshev, P.; Tagliente, G.; Tain, J. L.; Tarifeño-Saldivia, A.; Tarrío, D.; Tassan-Got, L.; Tsinganis, A.; Valenta, S.; Vannini, G.; Variale, V.; Vaz, P.; Ventura, A.; Vermeulen, M. J.; Vlachoudis, V.; Vlastou, R.; Wallner, A.; Ware, T.; Weigand, M.; Weiss, C.; Wright, T.; Žugec, P.; n TOF Collaboration

2018-06-01

The 33S(n ,α )30Si cross section has been measured at the neutron time-of-flight (n _TOF ) facility at CERN in the neutron energy range from 10 to 300 keV relative to the 10B(n ,α )7Li cross-section standard. Both reactions were measured simultaneously with a set of micromegas detectors. The flight path of 185 m has allowed us to obtain the cross section with high-energy resolution. An accurate description of the resonances has been performed by means of the multilevel multichannel R -matrix code sammy. The results show a significantly higher area of the biggest resonance (13.45 keV) than the unique high-resolution (n ,α ) measurement. The new parametrization of the 13.45-keV resonance is similar to that of the unique transmission measurement. This resonance is a matter of research in neutron-capture therapy. The 33S(n ,α )30Si cross section has been studied in previous works because of its role in the production of 36S in stars, which is currently overproduced in stellar models compared to observations.

On the energy spectrum of cosmogenic neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malgin, A. S.

2017-11-01

The processes of the generation of cosmogenic neutrons (cg-neutrons) underground are considered. The neutrons produced by cosmic-ray muons in their interactions with matter are called cosmogenic. Deep-inelastic π A-collisions of pions in muon-induced hadronic showers are mainly their source at energies above 30 MeV. The characteristics of the energy spectrum for the generation of cg-neutrons have been determined by invoking the additive quark model of deep-inelastic soft processes and the mechanism for the interactions of high-energy nucleons in a nucleus. The three-component shape of the spectrum is explained, and the energy of the "knee" in the spectrum has been found to depend on the mass number A. The peculiarities of deep-inelastic π A-scattering lead to the conclusion that the spectrum of cg-neutrons steepens sharply at energies above 1 GeV. The calculated quantitative characteristics of the spectrum are compared with those obtained in measurements.

Radiative neutron capture cross sections on 176Lu at DANCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roig, O.; Jandel, M.; Méot, V.; Bond, E. M.; Bredeweg, T. A.; Couture, A. J.; Haight, R. C.; Keksis, A. L.; Rundberg, R. S.; Ullmann, J. L.; Vieira, D. J.

2016-03-01

The cross section of the neutron capture reaction 176Lu(n ,γ ) has been measured for a wide incident neutron energy range with the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The thermal neutron capture cross section was determined to be (1912 ±132 ) b for one of the Lu natural isotopes, 176Lu. The resonance part was measured and compared to the Mughabghab's atlas using the R -matrix code, sammy. At higher neutron energies the measured cross sections are compared to ENDF/B-VII.1, JEFF-3.2, and BRC evaluated nuclear data. The Maxwellian averaged cross sections in a stellar plasma for thermal energies between 5 keV and 100 keV were extracted using these data.

Ion-Induced Afterpulsing in the Neutron Multiplicity Meter's Photomultiplier Tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedlik, Christopher; Schnee, Richard; Bunker, Raymond; Chen, Yu; Neutron Multiplicity Meter Collaboration

2013-10-01

The nature of the dark matter in the Universe remains a mystery in modern physics. A leading candidate, Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), may be detectable via scattering from nuclear targets in terrestrial detectors, located underground to prevent fake signals from cosmic-ray showers. The Neutron Multiplicity Meter (NMM) is a detector capable of measuring the muon-induced neutron flux deep underground, a problematic background for WIMP detection. The NMM is a 4.4-tonne Gd-loaded water-Cherenkov detector atop a 20-kilotonne lead target in the Soudan Mine. It measures high-energy neutrons (>50 MeV) by moderating and then detecting (via Gd capture gammas) the secondary neutrons emerging from the lead following a high-energy neutron interaction. The short time scale (~10 μs) for neutron capture in Gd-loaded water enables a custom multiplicity trigger to discriminate against the dominant gamma-ray background. Despite excellent rejection of the gamma-ray-induced background, NMM neutron-candidate events are not entirely background-free. One type of background is from ion-induced afterpulsing (AP) in the four 20'' Hamamatsu R7250 photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) used to monitor the NMM's two water tanks. We show that ion-induced AP in the PMTs can mimic the NMM's low-energy neutron response, potentially biasing a candidate event's measured multiplicity. We present detailed studies of the AP in order to allow identification of AP-induced background events.

Fast-neutron-induced potential background near the Q value of neutrinoless double-β decay of 76Ge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tornow, W.; Bhike, Megha; Fallin, B.; Krishichayan

2016-01-01

The 76Ge (n,p)76Ga reaction and the subsequent β decay of 76Ga to 76Ge has been used to excite the 3951.89-keV state of 76Ge , which decays by the emission of a 2040.70-keV γ ray. Using high-purity germanium detectors, the associated pulse-height signal may be undistinguishable from the potential signal produced in neutrinoless double-β decay of 76Ge with its Q value of 2039.0 keV. At 20-MeV neutron energy the production cross section of the 2040.70-keV γ ray is approximately 0.1 mb.

The Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum of 235U(n,f) below 2.5 MeV for Incident Neutrons from 0.7 to 20 MeV

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Devlin, Matthew James; Gomez, Jaime A.; Kelly, Keegan John

New prompt fission neutron spectrum measurements are reported for 235U(n,f) reactions induced by neutrons with energies from 0.7 to 20 MeV. These measurements cover outgoing neutron energies from 2.5 MeV down to 10 keV, using an array of 6Li-glass scintillators for neutron detection and a double time-of-flight technique. The neutrons were produced at the Weapons Neutron Research facility of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. A detailed MCNP ® model of the experimental equipment and the surrounding room was used to interpret the experimental results. Backgrounds were measured in situ, making use of the time-dependent singles rates of the variousmore » detectors with asynchronous readout from waveform digitizers. The results presented here have been included in a re-evaluation of the fission neutron spectra for this fissioning system, a description of which is presented elsewhere in this issue.« less

The Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum of 235U(n,f) below 2.5 MeV for Incident Neutrons from 0.7 to 20 MeV

DOE PAGES

Devlin, Matthew James; Gomez, Jaime A.; Kelly, Keegan John; ...

2018-02-01

New prompt fission neutron spectrum measurements are reported for 235U(n,f) reactions induced by neutrons with energies from 0.7 to 20 MeV. These measurements cover outgoing neutron energies from 2.5 MeV down to 10 keV, using an array of 6Li-glass scintillators for neutron detection and a double time-of-flight technique. The neutrons were produced at the Weapons Neutron Research facility of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. A detailed MCNP ® model of the experimental equipment and the surrounding room was used to interpret the experimental results. Backgrounds were measured in situ, making use of the time-dependent singles rates of the variousmore » detectors with asynchronous readout from waveform digitizers. The results presented here have been included in a re-evaluation of the fission neutron spectra for this fissioning system, a description of which is presented elsewhere in this issue.« less

Study of the {sup 17}O(n,α){sup 14}C reaction: Extension of the Trojan Horse Method to neutron induced reactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guardo, G. L.; Lamia, L.; Spitaleri, C.

2014-05-02

The experimental study of the {sup 17}O(n,α){sup 14}C reaction has been performed in the energy range 0-350 keV. This reaction could play an important role in explaining heavy elements (s-process) nucleosynthesis in various astrophysical scenario. To overcome the practical problems arising from the neutrons production, a new application of the Trojan Horse Method has been recently suggested. In more details, the {sup 17}O(n,α){sup 14}C reaction has been studied using the quasi-free {sup 2}H({sup 17}O,α{sup 14}C){sup 1}H reaction, induced at an energy of 43.5 MeV. The measurement allows one to investigate the ℓ=3, 75 keV resonance (E*=8.125 MeV, J{sup π}=5{sup −}),more » absent in the available direct measurements because of centrifugal suppression effects.« less

Study of muon-induced neutron production using accelerator muon beam at CERN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nakajima, Y.; Lin, C. J.; Ochoa-Ricoux, J. P.

2015-08-17

Cosmogenic muon-induced neutrons are one of the most problematic backgrounds for various underground experiments for rare event searches. In order to accurately understand such backgrounds, experimental data with high-statistics and well-controlled systematics is essential. We performed a test experiment to measure muon-induced neutron production yield and energy spectrum using a high-energy accelerator muon beam at CERN. We successfully observed neutrons from 160 GeV/c muon interaction on lead, and measured kinetic energy distributions for various production angles. Works towards evaluation of absolute neutron production yield is underway. This work also demonstrates that the setup is feasible for a future large-scale experimentmore » for more comprehensive study of muon-induced neutron production.« less

Neutron-induced fission: properties of prompt neutron and γ rays as a function of incident energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stetcu, I.; Talou, P.; Kawano, T.

2016-06-01

We have applied the Hauser-Feshbach statistical theory, in a Monte-Carlo implementation, to the de-excitation of fission fragments, obtaining a reasonable description of the characteristics of neutrons and gamma rays emitted before beta decays toward stability. Originally implemented for the spontaneous fission of 252Cf and the neutroninduced fission of 235U and 239Pu at thermal neutron energy, in this contribution we discuss the extension of the formalism to incident neutron energies up to 20 MeV. For the emission of pre-fission neutrons, at incident energies beyond second-chance fission, we take into account both the pre-equilibrium and statistical pre-fission components. Phenomenological parameterizations of mass, charge and TKE yields are used to obtain the initial conditions for the fission fragments that subsequently decay via neutron and emissions. We illustrate this approach for 239Pu(n,f).

Energy resolution of pulsed neutron beam provided by the ANNRI beamline at the J-PARC/MLF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kino, K.; Furusaka, M.; Hiraga, F.; Kamiyama, T.; Kiyanagi, Y.; Furutaka, K.; Goko, S.; Hara, K. Y.; Harada, H.; Harada, M.; Hirose, K.; Kai, T.; Kimura, A.; Kin, T.; Kitatani, F.; Koizumi, M.; Maekawa, F.; Meigo, S.; Nakamura, S.; Ooi, M.; Ohta, M.; Oshima, M.; Toh, Y.; Igashira, M.; Katabuchi, T.; Mizumoto, M.; Hori, J.

2014-02-01

We studied the energy resolution of the pulsed neutron beam of the Accurate Neutron-Nucleus Reaction Measurement Instrument (ANNRI) at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex/Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility (J-PARC/MLF). A simulation in the energy region from 0.7 meV to 1 MeV was performed and measurements were made at thermal (0.76-62 meV) and epithermal energies (4.8-410 eV). The neutron energy resolution of ANNRI determined by the time-of-flight technique depends on the time structure of the neutron pulse. We obtained the neutron energy resolution as a function of the neutron energy by the simulation in the two operation modes of the neutron source: double- and single-bunch modes. In double-bunch mode, the resolution deteriorates above about 10 eV because the time structure of the neutron pulse splits into two peaks. The time structures at 13 energy points from measurements in the thermal energy region agree with those of the simulation. In the epithermal energy region, the time structures at 17 energy points were obtained from measurements and agree with those of the simulation. The FWHM values of the time structures by the simulation and measurements were found to be almost consistent. In the single-bunch mode, the energy resolution is better than about 1% between 1 meV and 10 keV at a neutron source operation of 17.5 kW. These results confirm the energy resolution of the pulsed neutron beam produced by the ANNRI beamline.

Two detector arrays for fast neutrons at LANSCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haight, R. C.; Lee, H. Y.; Taddeucci, T. N.; O'Donnell, J. M.; Perdue, B. A.; Fotiades, N.; Devlin, M.; Ullmann, J. L.; Laptev, A.; Bredeweg, T.; Jandel, M.; Nelson, R. O.; Wender, S. A.; White, M. C.; Wu, C. Y.; Kwan, E.; Chyzh, A.; Henderson, R.; Gostic, J.

2012-03-01

The neutron spectrum from neutron-induced fission needs to be known in designing new fast reactors, predicting criticality for safety analyses, and developing techniques for global security application. The experimental data base of fission neutron spectra is very incomplete and most present evaluated libraries are based on the approach of the Los Alamos Model. To validate these models and to provide improved data for applications, a program is underway to measure the fission neutron spectrum for a wide range of incident neutron energies using the spallation source of fast neutrons at the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). In a double time-of-flight experiment, fission neutrons are detected by arrays of neutron detectors to increase the solid angle and also to investigate possible angular dependence of the fission neutrons. The challenge is to measure the spectrum from low energies, down to 100 keV or so, to energies over 10 MeV, where the evaporation-like spectrum decreases by 3 orders of magnitude from its peak around 1 MeV. For these measurements, we are developing two arrays of neutron detectors, one based on liquid organic scintillators and the other on 6Li-glass detectors. The range of fission neutrons detected by organic liquid scintillators extends from about 600 keV to well over 10 MeV, with the lower limit being defined by the limit of pulse-shape discrimination. The 6Li-glass detectors have a range from very low energies to about 1 MeV, where their efficiency then becomes small. Various considerations and tests are in progress to understand important contributing factors in designing these two arrays and they include selection and characterization of photomultiplier tubes (PM), the performance of relatively thin (1.8 cm) 6Li-glass scintillators on 12.5 cm diameter PM tubes, use of 17.5 cm diameter liquid scintillators with 12.5 cm PM tubes, measurements of detector efficiencies with tagged neutrons

Development of a µ-TPC detector as a standard instrument for low-energy neutron field characterisation.

PubMed

Maire, D; Billard, J; Bosson, G; Bourrion, O; Guillaudin, O; Lamblin, J; Lebreton, L; Mayet, F; Médard, J; Muraz, J F; Richer, J P; Riffard, Q; Santos, D

2014-10-01

In order to measure the energy and fluence of neutron fields, in the energy range of 8 to 1 MeV, a new primary standard is being developed at the Institute for Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN). This project, Micro Time Projection Chamber (µ-TPC), carried out in collaboration with the Laboratoire de Physqique Subatomique et de Cosmologie (LPSC), is based on the nucleus recoil detector principle. The measurement strategy requires track reconstruction of recoiling nuclei down to a few kiloelectronvolts, which can be achieved using a micro-pattern gaseous detector. A gas mixture, mainly isobutane, is used as an n-p converter to detect neutrons within the detection volume. Then electrons, coming from the ionisation of the gas by the proton recoil, are collected by the pixelised anode (2D projection). A self-triggered electronics system is able to perform the anode readout at a 50-MHz frequency in order to give the third dimension of the track. Then, the scattering angle is deduced from this track using algorithms. The charge collection leads to the proton energy, taking into account the ionisation quenching factor. This article emphasises the neutron energy measurements of a monoenergetic neutron field produced at 127 keV. The fluence measurement is not shown in this article. The measurements are compared with Monte Carlo simulations using realistic neutron fields and simulations of the detector response. The discrepancy between experiments and simulations is 5 keV mainly due to the calibration uncertainties of 10 %. © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Measurements of energy dependence of average number of prompt neutrons from neutron-induced fission of 242Pu from 0.5 to 10 Mev

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khokhlov, Yurii A.; Ivanin, Igor A.; In'kov, Valerii I.; Danilin, Lev D.

1998-10-01

The results of energy dependence measurements of the average number of prompt neutrons from neutrons-induced fission of 242Pu from 0.5 to 10 MeV are presented. The measurements were carried out with neutrons beam from uranium target of electron linac of Russian Federal Nuclear Center using time-of-flight technique on 28.5 m flight-path. The neutrons from fission were detected by a liquid scintillator detector loaded with gadolinium, events of fission—by parallel plate avalanche detector for fission fragments. Least squares fitting results give ν¯p(En)=(2.881±0.033)+(0.141±0.003)ṡEn. The work is executed on ISTC project # 471-97.

Neutron-energy-dependent cell survival and oncogenic transformation.

PubMed

Miller, R C; Marino, S A; Martin, S G; Komatsu, K; Geard, C R; Brenner, D J; Hall, E J

1999-12-01

Both cell lethality and neoplastic transformation were assessed for C3H10T1/2 cells exposed to neutrons with energies from 0.040 to 13.7 MeV. Monoenergetic neutrons with energies from 0.23 to 13.7 MeV and two neutron energy spectra with average energies of 0.040 and 0.070 MeV were produced with a Van de Graaff accelerator at the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF) in the Center for Radiological Research of Columbia University. For determination of relative biological effectiveness (RBE), cells were exposed to 250 kVp X rays. With exposures to 250 kVp X rays, both cell survival and radiation-induced oncogenic transformation were curvilinear. Irradiation of cells with neutrons at all energies resulted in linear responses as a function of dose for both biological endpoints. Results indicate a complex relationship between RBEm and neutron energy. For both survival and transformation, RBEm was greatest for cells exposed to 0.35 MeV neutrons. RBEm was significantly less at energies above or below 0.35 MeV. These results are consistent with microdosimetric expectation. These results are also compatible with current assessments of neutron radiation weighting factors for radiation protection purposes. Based on calculations of dose-averaged LET, 0.35 MeV neutrons have the greatest LET and therefore would be expected to be more biologically effective than neutrons of greater or lesser energies.

Ultra Low Level Environmental Neutron Measurements Using Superheated Droplet Detectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fernandes, A.C.; Centro de Fisica Nuclear, Universidade de Lisboa. Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 2, 1649- 003 Lisboa; Felizardo, M.

2015-07-01

Through the application of superheated droplet detectors (SDDs), the SIMPLE project for the direct search for dark matter (DM) reached the most restrictive limits on the spin-dependent sector to date. The experiment is based on the detection of recoils following WIMP-nuclei interaction, mimicking those from neutron scattering. The thermodynamic operation conditions yield the SDDs intrinsically insensitive to radiations with linear energy transfer below ∼150 keVμm{sup -1} such as photons, electrons, muons and neutrons with energies below ∼40 keV. Underground facilities are increasingly employed for measurements in a low-level radiation background (DM search, gamma-spectroscopy, intrinsic soft-error rate measurements, etc.), where themore » rock overburden shields against cosmic radiation. In this environment the SDDs are sensitive only to α-particles and neutrons naturally emitted from the surrounding materials. Recently developed signal analysis techniques allow discrimination between neutron and α-induced signals. SDDs are therefore a promising instrument for low-level neutron and α measurements, namely environmental neutron measurements and α-contamination assays. In this work neutron measurements performed in the challenging conditions of the latest SIMPLE experiment (1500 mwe depth with 50-75 cm water shield) are reported. The results are compared with those obtained by detailed Monte Carlo simulations of the neutron background induced by {sup 238}U and {sup 232}Th traces in the facility, shielding and detector materials. Calculations of the neutron energy distribution yield the following neutron fluence rates (in 10{sup -8} cm{sup -2}s{sup -1}): thermal (<0.5 eV): 2.5; epithermal (0.5 eV-100 keV): 2.2; fast (>1 MeV): 3.9. Signal rates were derived using standard cross sections and codes routinely employed in reactor dosimetry. The measured and calculated neutron count rates per unit of active mass were 0.15 ct/kgd and 0.33 ct/kg-d respectively. As

Cross-Section Measurements in the Fast Neutron Energy Range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Plompen, Arjan

2006-04-01

Generation IV focuses research for advanced nuclear reactors on six concepts. Three of these concepts, the lead, gas and sodium fast reactors (LFR, GFR and SFR) have fast neutron spectra, whereas a fourth, the super-critical water reactor (SCWR), can be configured to have a fast spectrum. Such fast neutron spectra are essential to meet the sustainability objective of GenIV. Nuclear data requirements for GenIV concepts will therefore emphasize the energy region from about 1 keV to 10 MeV. Here, the potential is illustrated of the GELINA neutron time-of-flight facility and the Van de Graaff laboratory at IRMM to measure the relevant nuclear data in this energy range: the total, capture, fission and inelastic-scattering cross sections. In particular, measurement results will be shown for lead and bismuth inelastic scattering for which the need was recently expressed in a quantitative way by Aliberti et al. for Accelerator Driven Systems. Even without completion of the quantitative assessment of the data needs for GenIV concepts at ANL it is clear that this particular effort is of relevance to LFR system studies.

Thermo-luminescence and neutron absorption cross section evaluations of compounds of Lithium based oxide ceramic breeders in Li-Zr-O system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Sumanta; Naik, Yeshwant

2018-04-01

Lithium-zirconium based oxides were prepared by combustion route. Thermal analysis (TG and DTA) was used to study the combustion process. The nucleation and growth stages were identified and their activation energies were predicted. The suitability of these oxide breeders was evaluated based on their radiation stability, variation in thermal behavior upon γ irradiation, neutron absorption and tritium breeding characteristics. Nuclear properties of these oxide ceramics were evaluated with a view to use them as efficient neutron absorbers and simultaneously breed tritium. Total neutron absorption cross sections were evaluated as a function of neutron energy in the range of 0 to 20 MeV. Resonant absorption is predicted for the neutron of energy 2.3 keV manly due to contribution from neutron induced nuclear reactions of 7Li in this energy range.

Low-Z shore of the "island of inversion" and the reduced neutron magicity toward 28O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doornenbal, P.; Scheit, H.; Takeuchi, S.; Utsuno, Y.; Aoi, N.; Li, K.; Matsushita, M.; Steppenbeck, D.; Wang, H.; Baba, H.; Ideguchi, E.; Kobayashi, N.; Kondo, Y.; Lee, J.; Michimasa, S.; Motobayashi, T.; Otsuka, T.; Sakurai, H.; Takechi, M.; Togano, Y.; Yoneda, K.

2017-04-01

The two odd-even fluorine isotopes F,2927 were studied via in-beam γ -ray spectroscopy at the RIKEN Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory. A secondary beam of 30Ne was used to induce one-proton and one-proton-two-neutron removal reactions on carbon and polyethylene targets at midtarget energies of 228 MeV/u . Excited states were observed at 915(12) keV for 27F and at 1080(18) keV for 29F. Both were assigned a 1 /21+ spin and parity. The low transition energy for 29F largely disagrees with shell model predictions restricted to the s d model space. Calculations using effective interactions that include the neutron p f shell indicate that the N =20 gap is quenched for 29F, thus extending the "island of inversion" to isotopes with proton number Z =9 . Variations of the N =20 gap further reveal a strong correlation to the 1 /21+ level energy in 29F and suggest a persistent reduced neutron gap for 28O.

Implementation of dynamic bias for neutron-photon pulse shape discrimination by using neural network classifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Zhong; Miller, L. F.; Buckner, M.

In order to accurately determine dose equivalent in radiation fields that include both neutrons and photons, it is necessary to measure the relative number of neutrons to photons and to characterize the energy dependence of the neutrons. The relationship between dose and dose equivalent begins to increase rapidly at about 100 keV; thus, it is necessary to separate neutrons from photons for neutron energies as low as about 100 keV in order to measure dose equivalent in a mixed radiation field that includes both neutrons and photons. Preceptron and back propagation neural networks that use pulse amplitude and pulse rise time information obtain separation of neutron and photons with about 5% error for neutrons with energies as low as 100 keV, and this is accomplished for neutrons with energies that range from 100 keV to several MeV. If the ratio of neutrons to photons is changed by a factor of 10, the classification error increases to about 15% for the neural networks tested. A technique that uses the output from the preceptron as a priori for a Bayesian classifier is more robust to changes in the relative number of neutrons to photons, and it obtains a 5% classification error when this ratio is changed by a factor of ten. Results from this research demonstrate that it is feasible to use commercially available instrumentation in combination with artificial intelligence techniques to develop a practical detector that will accurately measure dose equivalent in mixed neutron-photon radiation fields.

Note: Proton irradiation at kilowatt-power and neutron production from a free-surface liquid-lithium target

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Halfon, S.; Feinberg, G.; Racah Institute of Physics, Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904

2014-05-15

The free-surface Liquid-Lithium Target, recently developed at Soreq Applied Research Accelerator Facility (SARAF), was successfully used with a 1.9 MeV, 1.2 mA (2.3 kW) continuous-wave proton beam. Neutrons (∼2 × 10{sup 10} n/s having a peak energy of ∼27 keV) from the {sup 7}Li(p,n){sup 7}Be reaction were detected with a fission-chamber detector and by gold activation targets positioned in the forward direction. The setup is being used for nuclear astrophysics experiments to study neutron-induced reactions at stellar energies and to demonstrate the feasibility of accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy.

DNA Double-strand Breaks Induced byFractionated Neutron Beam Irradiation for Boron Neutron Capture Therapy.

PubMed

Kinashi, Yuko; Yokomizo, Natsuya; Takahashi, Sentaro

2017-04-01

To use the 53BP1 foci assay to detect DNA double-strand breaks induced by fractionated neutron beam irradiation of normal cells. The Kyoto University Research Reactor heavy-water facility and gamma-ray irradiation system were used as experimental radiation sources. After fixation of Chinese Hamster Ovary cells with 3.6% formalin, immunofluorescence staining was performed. Number and size of foci were analyzed using ImageJ software. Fractionated neutron irradiation induced 25% fewer 53BP1 foci than single irradiation at the same dose. By contrast, gamma irradiation induced 30% fewer 53BP1 foci than single irradiation at the same dose. Fractionated neutron irradiation induced larger foci than gamma irradiation, raising the possibility that persistent unrepaired DNA damage was amplified due to the high linear energy transfer component in the neutron beam. Unrepaired cluster DNA damage was more prevalent after fractionated neutron irradiation than after gamma irradiation. Copyright© 2017, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.

High-precision measurement of the light response of BC-418 plastic scintillator to protons with energies from 100 keV to 10 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henzl, Vladimir; Daub, Brian; French, Jennifer; Matthews, June; Kovash, Michael; Wender, Stephen; Famiano, Michael; Koehler, Katrina; Yuly, Mark

2010-11-01

The determination of the light response of many organic scintillators to various types of radiation has been a subject of numerous experimental as well as theoretical studies in the past. But while the data on light response to particles with energies above 1 MeV are precise and abundant, the information on light response to very low energy particles (i.e. below 1 MeV) is scarce or completely missing. In this study we measured the light response of a BC-418 scintillator to protons with energies from 100 keV to 10 MeV. The experiment was performed at Weapons Neutron Research Facility at LANSCE, Los Alamos. The neutron beam from a spallation source is used to irradiate the active target made from BC-418 plastic scintillator. The recoiled protons detected in the active target are measured in coincidence with elastically scattered incident neutrons detected by and adjacent liquid scintillator. Time of flight of the incident neutron and the knowledge of scattering geometry allow for a kinematically complete and high-precision measurement of the light response as a function of the proton energy.

A neutron spectrometer for studying giant resonances with (p,n) reactions in inverse kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stuhl, L.; Krasznahorkay, A.; Csatlós, M.; Algora, A.; Gulyás, J.; Kalinka, G.; Timár, J.; Kalantar-Nayestanaki, N.; Rigollet, C.; Bagchi, S.; Najafi, M. A.

2014-02-01

A neutron spectrometer, the European Low-Energy Neutron Spectrometer (ELENS), has been constructed to study exotic nuclei in inverse-kinematics experiments. The spectrometer, which consists of plastic scintillator bars, can be operated in the neutron energy range of 100 keV-10 MeV. The neutron energy is determined using the time-of-flight technique, while the position of the neutron detection is deduced from the time-difference information from photomultipliers attached to both ends of each bar. A novel wrapping method has been developed for the plastic scintillators. The array has a larger than 25% detection efficiency for neutrons of approximately 500 keV in kinetic energy and an angular resolution of less than 1°. Details of the design, construction and experimental tests of the spectrometer will be presented.

Analysis of temperature-dependent neutron transmission and self-indication measurements on tantalum at 2-keV neutron energy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Semler, T. T.

1973-01-01

The method of pseudo-resonance cross sections is used to analyze published temperature-dependent neutron transmission and self-indication measurements on tantalum in the unresolved region. In the energy region analyzed, 1825.0 to 2017.0 eV, a direct application of the pseudo-resonance approach using a customary average strength function will not provide effective cross sections which fit the measured cross section behavior. Rather a local value of the strength function is required, and a set of resonances which model the measured behavior of the effective cross sections is derived. This derived set of resonance parameters adequately represents the observed resonance hehavior in this local energy region. Similar analyses for the measurements in other unresolved energy regions are necessary to obtain local resonance parameters for improved reactor calculations. This study suggests that Doppler coefficients calculated by sampling from grand average statistical distributions over the entire unresolved resonance region can be in error, since significant local variations in the statistical distributions are not taken into consideration.

Reaction rate of the 13C(α,n)16O neutron source using the ANC of the -3 keV resonance measured with the THM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Cognata, M.; Spitaleri, C.; Trippella, O.; Kiss, G. G.; Rogachev, G. V.; Mukhamedzhanov, A. M.; Avila, M.; Guardo, G. L.; Koshchiy, E.; Kuchera, A.; Lamia, L.; Puglia, S. M. R.; Romano, S.; Santiago, D.; Spartà, R.

2016-01-01

The s-process is responsible of the synthesis of most of the nuclei in the mass range 90 ≤ A ≤ 208. It consists in a series of neutron capture reactions on seed nuclei followed by β-decays, since the neutron accretion rate is slower than the β-decay rate. Such small neutron flux is supplied by the 13C(α,n)16O reaction. It is active inside the helium-burning shell of asymptotic giant branch stars, at temperatures < 108 K, corresponding to an energy interval of 140-230 keV. In this region, the astrophysical S (E)-factor is dominated by the -3 keV sub-threshold resonance due to the 6.356 MeV level in 17O. In this work, we have applied the Trojan Horse Method (THM) to the 13C(6Li,n16O)d quasi-free reaction to extract the 6.356 MeV level resonance parameters, in particular the asymptotic normalization coefficient . A preliminary analysis of a partial data set has lead to , slightly larger than the values in the literature. However, the deduced 13C(α, n)16O reaction rate is in agreement with most results in the literature at ˜ 108 K, with enhanced accuracy thanks to our innovative approach merging together ANC and THM.

Measurement of the 238U(n ,γ ) cross section up to 80 keV with the Total Absorption Calorimeter at the CERN n_TOF facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wright, T.; Guerrero, C.; Billowes, J.; Cano-Ott, D.; Mendoza, E.; Altstadt, S.; Andrzejewski, J.; Audouin, L.; Bécares, V.; Barbagallo, M.; Bečvář, F.; Belloni, F.; Berthoumieux, E.; Bosnar, D.; Brugger, M.; Calviño, F.; Calviani, M.; Carrapiço, C.; Cerutti, F.; Chiaveri, E.; Chin, M.; Colonna, N.; Cortés, G.; Cortés-Giraldo, M. A.; Diakaki, M.; Dietz, M.; Domingo-Pardo, C.; Durán, I.; Dzysiuk, N.; Eleftheriadis, C.; Ferrari, A.; Fraval, K.; Furman, V.; Gómez-Hornillos, M. B.; Ganesan, S.; García, A. R.; Giubrone, G.; Gonçalves, I. F.; González-Romero, E.; Goverdovski, A.; Griesmayer, E.; Gunsing, F.; Gurusamy, P.; Heftrich, T.; Hernández-Prieto, A.; Jenkins, D. G.; Jericha, E.; Käppeler, F.; Kadi, Y.; Karadimos, D.; Katabuchi, T.; Ketlerov, V.; Khryachkov, V.; Koehler, P.; Kokkoris, M.; Kroll, J.; Krtička, M.; Lampoudis, C.; Langer, C.; Leal-Cidoncha, E.; Lederer, C.; Leeb, H.; Leong, L. S.; Lerendegui-Marco, J.; Losito, R.; Manousos, A.; Marganiec, J.; Martínez, T.; Massimi, C.; Mastinu, P.; Mengoni, A.; Milazzo, P. M.; Mingrone, F.; Mirea, M.; Paradela, C.; Pavlik, A.; Perkowski, J.; Praena, J.; Quesada, J. M.; Rauscher, T.; Reifarth, R.; Riego-Perez, A.; Robles, M.; Roman, F.; Rubbia, C.; Ryan, J. A.; Sabaté-Gilarte, M.; Sarmento, R.; Saxena, A.; Schillebeeckx, P.; Schmidt, S.; Schumann, D.; Sedyshev, P.; Tagliente, G.; Tain, J. L.; Tarifeño-Saldivia, A.; Tarrío, D.; Tassan-Got, L.; Tsinganis, A.; Valenta, S.; Vannini, G.; Variale, V.; Vaz, P.; Ventura, A.; Vermeulen, M. J.; Versaci, R.; Vlachoudis, V.; Vlastou, R.; Wallner, A.; Ware, T.; Weigand, M.; Weiss, C.; Žugec, P.; n TOF Collaboration

2017-12-01

The radiative capture cross section of a highly pure (99.999%), 6.125(2) grams and 9.56(5)×10-4 atoms/barn areal density 238U sample has been measured with the Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) in the 185 m flight path at the CERN neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF. This measurement is in response to the NEA High Priority Request list, which demands an accuracy in this cross section of less than 3% below 25 keV. These data have undergone careful background subtraction, with special care being given to the background originating from neutrons scattered by the 238U sample. Pileup and dead-time effects have been corrected for. The measured cross section covers an energy range between 0.2 eV and 80 keV, with an accuracy that varies with neutron energy, being better than 4% below 25 keV and reaching at most 6% at higher energies.

α and 2 p 2 n emission in fast neutron-induced reactions on 60Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fotiades, N.; Devlin, M.; Haight, R. C.; Nelson, R. O.; Kunieda, S.; Kawano, T.

2015-06-01

Background: The cross sections for populating the residual nucleus in the reaction ZAX(n,x) Z -2 A -4Y exhibit peaks as a function of incident neutron energy corresponding to the (n ,n'α ) reaction and, at higher energy, to the (n ,2 p 3 n ) reaction. The relative magnitudes of these peaks vary with the Z of the target nucleus. Purpose: Study fast neutron-induced reactions on 60Ni. Locate experimentally the nuclear charge region along the line of stability where the cross sections for α emission and for 2 p 2 n emission in fast neutron-induced reactions are comparable as a further test of reaction models. Methods: Data were taken by using the Germanium Array for Neutron-Induced Excitations. The broad-spectrum pulsed neutron beam of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's Weapons Neutron Research facility provided neutrons in the energy range from 1 to 250 MeV. The time-of-flight technique was used to determine the incident-neutron energies. Results: Absolute partial cross sections for production of seven discrete Fe γ rays populated in 60Ni (n ,α /2 p x n γ ) reactions with 2 ≤x ≤5 were measured for neutron energies 1 MeVneutron energies while discrepancies appear at higher neutron energies. The cross section for producing an isotope in fast neutron-induced reactions on stable targets via α emission at the peak of the (n ,α ) and (n ,n'α ) reactions is comparable to that for 2 p 2 n and 2 p 3 n emission at higher incident energies in the nuclear charge region around Fe.

Characteristics of Protons Exiting from a Polyethylene Converter Irradiated by Neutrons with Energies between 1 keV and 10 MeV.

PubMed

Nikezic, D; Shahmohammadi Beni, Mehrdad; Krstic, D; Yu, K N

2016-01-01

Monte Carlo method has been used to determine the efficiency for proton production and to study the energy and angular distributions of the generated protons. The ENDF library of cross sections is used to simulate the interactions between the neutrons and the atoms in a polyethylene (PE) layer, while the ranges of protons with different energies in PE are determined using the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) computer code. The efficiency of proton production increases with the PE layer thickness. However the proton escaping from a certain polyethylene volume is highly dependent on the neutron energy and target thickness, except for a very thin PE layer. The energy and angular distributions of protons are also estimated in the present paper, showing that, for the range of energy and thickness considered, the proton flux escaping is dependent on the PE layer thickness, with the presence of an optimal thickness for a fixed primary neutron energy.

Characteristics of Protons Exiting from a Polyethylene Converter Irradiated by Neutrons with Energies between 1 keV and 10 MeV

PubMed Central

Nikezic, D.; Shahmohammadi Beni, Mehrdad; Krstic, D.; Yu, K. N.

2016-01-01

Monte Carlo method has been used to determine the efficiency for proton production and to study the energy and angular distributions of the generated protons. The ENDF library of cross sections is used to simulate the interactions between the neutrons and the atoms in a polyethylene (PE) layer, while the ranges of protons with different energies in PE are determined using the Stopping and Range of Ions in Matter (SRIM) computer code. The efficiency of proton production increases with the PE layer thickness. However the proton escaping from a certain polyethylene volume is highly dependent on the neutron energy and target thickness, except for a very thin PE layer. The energy and angular distributions of protons are also estimated in the present paper, showing that, for the range of energy and thickness considered, the proton flux escaping is dependent on the PE layer thickness, with the presence of an optimal thickness for a fixed primary neutron energy. PMID:27362656

Measuring muon-induced neutrons with liquid scintillation detector at Soudan mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, C.; Mei, D.-M.

2014-12-01

We report a direct detection of muon-induced high-energy neutrons with a 12-liter neutron detector fabricated with EJ-301 liquid scintillator operating at Soudan mine for about two years. The detector response to energy from a few MeV up to ˜20 MeV has been calibrated using radioactive sources and cosmic-ray muons. Subsequently, we have calculated the scintillation efficiency for nuclear recoils, up to a few hundred MeV, using Birks' law in the Monte Carlo simulation. Data from an exposure of 655.1 days were analyzed and neutron-induced recoil events were observed in the energy region from 4 to 50 MeV, corresponding to fast neutrons with kinetic energy up to a few hundred MeV, depending on the scattering angle. Combining with the Monte Carlo simulation, the measured muon-induced fast neutron flux is determined to be (2.23 ±0.52 (sta)±0.99 (sys))×10-9 cm-2 s-1 (En >20 MeV ), in a reasonable agreement with the model prediction. The muon flux is found to be (1.65 ±0.02 (sta)±0.1 (sys))×10-7 cm-2 s-1 (Eμ >1 GeV ), consistent with other measurements. As a result, the muon-induced high-energy gamma-ray flux is simulated to be 7.08 ×10-7 cm-2 s-1 (Eγ > 1 MeV ) for the depth of Soudan.

Stellar neutron sources and s-process in massive stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talwar, Rashi

The s-process or the slow neutron capture process is a nucleosynthesis process taking place at relatively low neutron densities in stars. It runs along the valley of beta stability since the neutron capture rate is much slower compared to the beta decay rate. The s-process occurs mainly during core helium burning and shell carbon burning phase in massive stars and during thermally pulsing helium burning phase in asymptotic giant-branch stars. The potential stellar neutron source for the s-process is associated with alpha-capture reactions on light nuclei. The capture-reaction rates provide the reaction flow for the build-up of22Ne neutron source during the heliumburning phase in these stars. The low energy 26Mg resonances at stellar energies below 800 keV are predicted to have a critical influence on the alpha-capture rates on 22Ne. Some of these resonances may also correspond to pronounced alpha cluster structure near the alpha-threshold. However, these resonances have remained elusive during direct alpha capture measurements owing to the high Coulomb barrier and background from cosmic rays and beam induced reactions. Hence, in the present work, alpha-inelastic scattering and alpha- transfer measurements have been performed to probe the level structure of 26Mg nucleus in order to determine the 22Ne+alpha-capture rates. Both experiments have been performed using the high-resolution Grand Raiden Spectrometer at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP), Osaka, Japan. For the alpha-inelastic scattering measurement, a self-supporting solid 26Mg target was used and for the alpha-transfer study via the (6Li,d) reaction, 22Ne gas enclosed in a gas cell with Aramid windows was used. The reaction products were momentum analysed by the spectrometer and detected at the focal plane equipped with two multi-wire drift chambers and two plastic-scintillation detectors. The focal plane detection system provided information on the position, the angle, the time of flight and

Broad Energy Range Neutron Spectroscopy using a Liquid Scintillator and a Proportional Counter: Application to a Neutron Spectrum Similar to that from an Improvised Nuclear Device.

PubMed

Xu, Yanping; Randers-Pehrson, Gerhard; Marino, Stephen A; Garty, Guy; Harken, Andrew; Brenner, David J

2015-09-11

A novel neutron irradiation facility at the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF) has been developed to mimic the neutron radiation from an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) at relevant distances (e.g. 1.5 km) from the epicenter. The neutron spectrum of this IND-like neutron irradiator was designed according to estimations of the Hiroshima neutron spectrum at 1.5 km. It is significantly different from a standard reactor fission spectrum, because the spectrum changes as the neutrons are transported through air, and it is dominated by neutron energies from 100 keV up to 9 MeV. To verify such wide energy range neutron spectrum, detailed here is the development of a combined spectroscopy system. Both a liquid scintillator detector and a gas proportional counter were used for the recoil spectra measurements, with the individual response functions estimated from a series of Monte Carlo simulations. These normalized individual response functions were formed into a single response matrix for the unfolding process. Several accelerator-based quasi-monoenergetic neutron source spectra were measured and unfolded to test this spectroscopy system. These reference neutrons were produced from two reactions: T(p,n) 3 He and D(d,n) 3 He, generating neutron energies in the range between 0.2 and 8 MeV. The unfolded quasi-monoenergetic neutron spectra indicated that the detection system can provide good neutron spectroscopy results in this energy range. A broad-energy neutron spectrum from the 9 Be(d,n) reaction using a 5 MeV deuteron beam, measured at 60 degrees to the incident beam was measured and unfolded with the evaluated response matrix. The unfolded broad neutron spectrum is comparable with published time-of-flight results. Finally, the pair of detectors were used to measure the neutron spectrum generated at the RARAF IND-like neutron facility and a comparison is made to the neutron spectrum of Hiroshima.

Inelastic neutron scattering cross sections for Ge 76 relevant to background in neutrinoless double- β decay experiments

DOE PAGES

Crider, B. P.; Peters, E. E.; Allmond, J. M.; ...

2015-09-11

The experimental signature in searches for the neutrinoless double- decay of 76Ge is a peak near 2039 keV in the spectrum. Given the low probability of the process, it is important that the background in this region be well understood. Moreover, inelastic scattering reactions with neutrons from muon-induced interactions and ( ,n) reactions in the surrounding materials or in the detector can provide contributions to the background. We also measured the production cross sections for rays from the 76Ge(n,n ) reaction in the 2039-keV region at incident neutron energies up to 4.9 MeV. In addition to determining that the crossmore » sections of a previously known 2040.7-keV ray from the 3952-keV level in 76 Ge are rather small, we find that a larger contribution arises from a 2037.5-keV ray which is attributed to a newly identified level at 3147 keV in 76Ge. Finally, a third contribution is also possible from another new level at 3577 keV. These results indicate that the 2039-keV region in 76Ge neutrinoless double- decay searches is more complex than was previously thought.« less

LANSCE: Los Alamos Neutron Science Center

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kippen, Karen Elizabeth

The principle goals of this project is to increase flux and improve resolution for neutron energies above 1 keV for nuclear physics experiments; and preserve current strong performance at thermal energies for material science.

Fission fragment yields and total kinetic energy release in neutron-induced fission of235,238U,and239Pu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tovesson, F.; Duke, D.; Geppert-Kleinrath, V.; Manning, B.; Mayorov, D.; Mosby, S.; Schmitt, K.

2018-03-01

Different aspects of the nuclear fission process have been studied at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) using various instruments and experimental techniques. Properties of the fragments emitted in fission have been investigated using Frisch-grid ionization chambers, a Time Projection Chamber (TPC), and the SPIDER instrument which employs the 2v-2E method. These instruments and experimental techniques have been used to determine fission product mass yields, the energy dependent total kinetic energy (TKE) release, and anisotropy in neutron-induced fission of U-235, U-238 and Pu-239.

Developing an in-situ Detector of Neutron-Induced Fission for Actinide Sputtering Characterization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fellers, Deion

2016-09-01

The physical mechanism describing the transfer of large amounts of energy due to fission in a material is not well understood and represents one of the modern challenges facing nuclear scientists, with applications including nuclear energy and national defense. Fission fragments cause damage to the material from sputtering of matter as they pass through or near the material's surface. We have developed a new technique at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center for characterizing the ejecta by using ultracold neutrons (neutrons with kinetic energy less than 300 neV) to induce fission at finely controlled depths in an actinide. This program will ultimately provide a detailed description of the properties of the sputtered particles as a function of the depth of the fission in the material. A key component of this project is accurately quantifying the number of neutron induced fissions in the sample. This poster depicts the development of an in-situ detector of neutron-induced fission for the AShES (Actinide Sputtering from ultracold neutron Exposure at the Surface) experiment.

Next Generation Fast Neutron Detector for Space Exploration (Mini-FND)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassler, D. M.; Ehresmann, B.

2018-02-01

SwRI has developed a miniature Fast Neutron Detector (mini-FND), for use in the Deep Space Gateway, to characterize the neutron albedo radiation. Mini-FND will provide coverage of the biologically relevant neutrons at energies of 500 keV and greater.

Study of microdosimetric energy deposition patterns in tissue-equivalent medium due to low-energy neutron fields using a graphite-walled proportional counter.

PubMed

Waker, A J; Aslam

2011-06-01

To improve radiation protection dosimetry for low-energy neutron fields encountered in nuclear power reactor environments, there is increasing interest in modeling neutron energy deposition in metrological instruments such as tissue-equivalent proportional counters (TEPCs). Along with these computational developments, there is also a need for experimental data with which to benchmark and test the results obtained from the modeling methods developed. The experimental work described in this paper is a study of the energy deposition in tissue-equivalent (TE) medium using an in-house built graphite-walled proportional counter (GPC) filled with TE gas. The GPC is a simple model of a standard TEPC because the response of the counter at these energies is almost entirely due to the neutron interactions in the sensitive volume of the counter. Energy deposition in tissue spheres of diameter 1, 2, 4 and 8 µm was measured in low-energy neutron fields below 500 keV. We have observed a continuously increasing trend in microdosimetric averages with an increase in neutron energy. The values of these averages decrease as we increase the simulated diameter at a given neutron energy. A similar trend for these microdosimetric averages has been observed for standard TEPCs and the Rossi-type, TE, spherical wall-less counter filled with propane-based TE gas in the same energy range. This implies that at the microdosimetric level, in the neutron energy range we employed in this study, the pattern of average energy deposited by starter and insider proton recoil events in the gas is similar to those generated cumulatively by crosser and stopper events originating from the counter wall plus starter and insider recoil events originating in the sensitive volume of a TEPC.

Time gating for energy selection and scatter rejection: High-energy pulsed neutron imaging at LANSCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swift, Alicia; Schirato, Richard; McKigney, Edward; Hunter, James; Temple, Brian

2015-09-01

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) is a linear accelerator in Los Alamos, New Mexico that accelerates a proton beam to 800 MeV, which then produces spallation neutron beams. Flight path FP15R uses a tungsten target to generate neutrons of energy ranging from several hundred keV to ~600 MeV. The beam structure has micropulses of sub-ns width and period of 1.784 ns, and macropulses of 625 μs width and frequency of either 50 Hz or 100 Hz. This corresponds to 347 micropulses per macropulse, or 1.74 x 104 micropulses per second when operating at 50 Hz. Using a very fast, cooled ICCD camera (Princeton Instruments PI-Max 4), gated images of various objects were obtained on FP15R in January 2015. Objects imaged included blocks of lead and borated polyethylene; a tungsten sphere; and a tungsten, polyethylene, and steel cylinder. Images were obtained in 36 min or less, with some in as little as 6 min. This is novel because the gate widths (some as narrow as 10 ns) were selected to reject scatter and other signal not of interest (e.g. the gamma flash that precedes the neutron pulse), which has not been demonstrated at energies above 14 MeV. This proof-of-principle experiment shows that time gating is possible above 14MeV and is useful for selecting neutron energy and reducing scatter, thus forming clearer images. Future work (simulation and experimental) is being undertaken to improve camera shielding and system design and to precisely determine optical properties of the imaging system.

Prompt neutron emission and energy balance in 235U(n,f)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Göök, Alf; Hambsch, Franz-Josef; Oberstedt, Stephan

2017-09-01

Investigations of prompt fission neutron (PFN) emission are of importance in understanding the fission process in general and the sharing of excitation energy among the fission fragments in particular. Experimental activities at JRC-Geel on PFN emission in response to OECD/NEA nuclear data requests is presented in this contribution. The focus lies on on-going investigations of PFN emission from the reaction 235U(n,f) in the region of the resolved resonances taking place at the GELINA facility. For this reaction strong fluctuations of fission fragment mass distributions and mean total kinetic energy have been observed as a function of incident neutron energy in the resonance region. In addition, fluctuations of prompt neutron multiplicities have also been observed. The goal of the present study is to verify the current knowledge of PFN multiplicity fluctuations and to study correlations with fission fragment properties. The experiment employs a scintillation detector array for neutron detection, while fission fragment properties are determined via the double kinetic energy technique using a position sensitive twin ionization chamber. Results on PFN multiplicity correlations with fission fragment properties from the present study show significant differences compared to earlier studies on this reaction, induced by thermal neutrons. Specifically, the total kinetic energy dependence of the neutron multiplicity per fission shows an inverse slope FX1TKE/FX2ν approximately 35% weaker than observed in earlier studies of thermal neutron induced fission on 235U. The inverse slope is related to the energy carried away per emitted neutron and is, thereby, closely connected to the energy balance of the fission reaction. The present result should have strong impact on the modeling of both prompt neutron and prompt γ-ray emission in fission of the 236U compound nucleus.

Experimental study of the 66Ni(d ,p ) 67Ni one-neutron transfer reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diriken, J.; Patronis, N.; Andreyev, A.; Antalic, S.; Bildstein, V.; Blazhev, A.; Darby, I. G.; De Witte, H.; Eberth, J.; Elseviers, J.; Fedosseev, V. N.; Flavigny, F.; Fransen, Ch.; Georgiev, G.; Gernhauser, R.; Hess, H.; Huyse, M.; Jolie, J.; Kröll, Th.; Krücken, R.; Lutter, R.; Marsh, B. A.; Mertzimekis, T.; Muecher, D.; Orlandi, R.; Pakou, A.; Raabe, R.; Randisi, G.; Reiter, P.; Roger, T.; Seidlitz, M.; Seliverstov, M.; Sotty, C.; Tornqvist, H.; Van De Walle, J.; Van Duppen, P.; Voulot, D.; Warr, N.; Wenander, F.; Wimmer, K.

2015-05-01

The quasi-SU(3) sequence of the positive parity ν g9 /2,d5 /2,s1 /2 orbitals above the N =40 shell gap are assumed to induce strong quadrupole collectivity in the neutron-rich Fe (Z =26 ) and Cr (Z =24 ) isotopes below the nickel region. In this paper the position and strength of these single-particle orbitals are characterized in the neighborhood of 68Ni (Z =28 ,N =40 ) through the 66Ni(d ,p )67Ni one-neutron transfer reaction at 2.95 MeV/nucleon in inverse kinematics, performed at the REX-ISOLDE facility in CERN. A combination of the Miniball γ -array and T-REX particle-detection setup was used and a delayed coincidence technique was employed to investigate the 13.3-μ s isomer at 1007 keV in 67Ni. Excited states up to an excitation energy of 5.8 MeV have been populated. Feeding of the ν g9 /2 (1007 keV) and ν d5 /2 (2207 keV and 3277 keV) positive-parity neutron states and negative parity (ν p f ) states have been observed at low excitation energy. The extracted relative spectroscopic factors, based on a distorted-wave Born approximation analysis, show that the ν d5 /2 single-particle strength is mostly split over these two excited states. The results are also compared to the distribution of the proton single-particle strength in the 90Zr region (Z =40 ,N =50 ) .

Experimental Determination of the HPGe Spectrometer Efficiency Calibration Curves for Various Sample Geometry for Gamma Energy from 50 keV to 2000 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saat, Ahmad; Hamzah, Zaini; Yusop, Mohammad Fariz; Zainal, Muhd Amiruddin

2010-07-01

Detection efficiency of a gamma-ray spectrometry system is dependent upon among others, energy, sample and detector geometry, volume and density of the samples. In the present study the efficiency calibration curves of newly acquired (August 2008) HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry system was carried out for four sample container geometries, namely Marinelli beaker, disc, cylindrical beaker and vial, normally used for activity determination of gamma-ray from environmental samples. Calibration standards were prepared by using known amount of analytical grade uranium trioxide ore, homogenized in plain flour into the respective containers. The ore produces gamma-rays of energy ranging from 53 keV to 1001 keV. Analytical grade potassium chloride were prepared to determine detection efficiency of 1460 keV gamma-ray emitted by potassium isotope K-40. Plots of detection efficiency against gamma-ray energy for the four sample geometries were found to fit smoothly to a general form of ɛ = AΕa+BΕb, where ɛ is efficiency, Ε is energy in keV, A, B, a and b are constants that are dependent on the sample geometries. All calibration curves showed the presence of a "knee" at about 180 keV. Comparison between the four geometries showed that the efficiency of Marinelli beaker is higher than cylindrical beaker and vial, while cylindrical disk showed the lowest.

Total Kinetic Energy and Fragment Mass Distribution of Neutron-Induced Fission of U-233

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higgins, Daniel James; Schmitt, Kyle Thomas; Mosby, Shea Morgan

Properties of fission in U-233 were studied at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) at incident neutron energies from thermal to 40 MeV at both the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center flight path 12 and at WNR flight path 90-Left from Dec 2016 to Jan 2017. Fission fragments are observed in coincidence using a twin ionization chamber with Frisch grids. The average total kinetic energy (TKE) released from fission and fragment mass distributions are calculated from observations of energy deposited in the detector and conservation of mass and momentum. Accurate experimental measurements of these parameters are necessary to better understandmore » the fission process and obtain data necessary for calculating criticality. The average TKE released from fission has been well characterized for several isotopes at thermal neutron energy, however, few measurements have been made at fast neutron energies. This experiment expands on previous successful experiments using an ionization chamber to measure TKE and fragment mass distributions of U-235, U-238, and Pu-239. This experiment requires the full spectrum of neutron energies and can therefore only be performed at a small number of facilities in the world. The required full neutron energy spectrum is obtained by combining measurements from WNR 90L and Lujan FP12 at LANSCE.« less

Applicability of the two-angle differential method to response measurement of neutron-sensitive devices at the RCNP high-energy neutron facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masuda, Akihiko; Matsumoto, Tetsuro; Iwamoto, Yosuke; Hagiwara, Masayuki; Satoh, Daiki; Sato, Tatsuhiko; Iwase, Hiroshi; Yashima, Hiroshi; Nakane, Yoshihiro; Nishiyama, Jun; Shima, Tatsushi; Tamii, Atsushi; Hatanaka, Kichiji; Harano, Hideki; Nakamura, Takashi

2017-03-01

Quasi-monoenergetic high-energy neutron fields induced by 7Li(p,n) reactions are used for the response evaluation of neutron-sensitive devices. The quasi-monoenergetic high-energy field consists of high-energy monoenergetic peak neutrons and unwanted continuum neutrons down to the low-energy region. A two-angle differential method has been developed to compensate for the effect of the continuum neutrons in the response measurements. In this study, the two-angle differential method was demonstrated for Bonner sphere detectors, which are typical examples of moderator-based neutron-sensitive detectors, to investigate the method's applicability and its dependence on detector characteristics. Experiments were performed under 96-387 MeV quasi-monoenergetic high-energy neutron fields at the Research Center for Nuclear Physics (RCNP), Osaka University. The measurement results for large high-density polyethylene (HDPE) sphere detectors agreed well with Monte Carlo calculations, which verified the adequacy of the two-angle differential method. By contrast, discrepancies were observed in the results for small HDPE sphere detectors and metal-induced sphere detectors. The former indicated that detectors that are particularly sensitive to low-energy neutrons may be affected by penetrating neutrons owing to the geometrical features of the RCNP facility. The latter discrepancy could be consistently explained by a problem in the evaluated cross-section data for the metals used in the calculation. Through those discussions, the adequacy of the two-angle differential method was experimentally verified, and practical suggestions were made pertaining to this method.

Evaluation of the Neutron Data Standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlson, A. D.; Pronyaev, V. G.; Capote, R.; Hale, G. M.; Chen, Z.-P.; Duran, I.; Hambsch, F.-J.; Kunieda, S.; Mannhart, W.; Marcinkevicius, B.; Nelson, R. O.; Neudecker, D.; Noguere, G.; Paris, M.; Simakov, S. P.; Schillebeeckx, P.; Smith, D. L.; Tao, X.; Trkov, A.; Wallner, A.; Wang, W.

2018-02-01

With the need for improving existing nuclear data evaluations, (e.g., ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3 releases) the first step was to evaluate the standards for use in such a library. This new standards evaluation made use of improved experimental data and some developments in the methodology of analysis and evaluation. In addition to the work on the traditional standards, this work produced the extension of some energy ranges and includes new reactions that are called reference cross sections. Since the effort extends beyond the traditional standards, it is called the neutron data standards evaluation. This international effort has produced new evaluations of the following cross section standards: the H(n,n), 6Li(n,t), 10B(n,α), 10B(n,α1 γ), natC(n,n), Au(n,γ), 235U(n,f) and 238U(n,f). Also in the evaluation process the 238U(n,γ) and 239Pu(n,f) cross sections that are not standards were evaluated. Evaluations were also obtained for data that are not traditional standards: the Maxwellian spectrum averaged cross section for the Au(n,γ) cross section at 30 keV; reference cross sections for prompt γ-ray production in fast neutron-induced reactions; reference cross sections for very high energy fission cross sections; the 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron spectrum and the 235U prompt fission neutron spectrum induced by thermal incident neutrons; and the thermal neutron constants. The data and covariance matrices of the uncertainties were obtained directly from the evaluation procedure.

Generation of high-energy neutron beam by fragmentation of relativistic heavy nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yurevich, Vladimir

2016-09-01

The phenomenon of multiple production of neutrons in reactions with heavy nuclei induced by high-energy protons and light nuclei is analyzed using a Moving Source Model. The Lorentz transformation of the obtained neutron distributions is used to study the neutron characteristics in the inverse kinematics where relativistic heavy nuclei bombard a light-mass target. The neutron beam generated at 0∘has a Gaussian shape with a maximum at the energy of the projectile nucleons and an energy resolution σE/E < 4% above 6 GeV.

Detection system for neutron β decay correlations in the UCNB and Nab experiments

DOE PAGES

Broussard, L. J.; Oak Ridge National Lab.; Zeck, B. A.; ...

2016-12-19

Here, we describe a detection system designed to precisely measure multiple correlations in neutron β decay. Furthermore, the system is based on thick, large area, highly segmented silicon detectors developed in collaboration with Micron Semiconductor, Ltd. The prototype system meets specifications of energy thresholds below 10 keV, energy resolution of ~3 keV FWHM, and rise time of ~50 ns with 19 of the 127 detector pixels instrumented. We have demonstrated the coincident detection of β particles and recoil protons from neutron β decay, using ultracold neutrons at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, . The fully instrumented detection system willmore » be implemented in the UCNB and Nab experiments, to determine the neutron β decay parameters B, a, and b.« less

Broad Energy Range Neutron Spectroscopy using a Liquid Scintillator and a Proportional Counter: Application to a Neutron Spectrum Similar to that from an Improvised Nuclear Device

PubMed Central

Randers-Pehrson, Gerhard; Marino, Stephen A.; Garty, Guy; Harken, Andrew; Brenner, David J.

2015-01-01

A novel neutron irradiation facility at the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility (RARAF) has been developed to mimic the neutron radiation from an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) at relevant distances (e.g. 1.5 km) from the epicenter. The neutron spectrum of this IND-like neutron irradiator was designed according to estimations of the Hiroshima neutron spectrum at 1.5 km. It is significantly different from a standard reactor fission spectrum, because the spectrum changes as the neutrons are transported through air, and it is dominated by neutron energies from 100 keV up to 9 MeV. To verify such wide energy range neutron spectrum, detailed here is the development of a combined spectroscopy system. Both a liquid scintillator detector and a gas proportional counter were used for the recoil spectra measurements, with the individual response functions estimated from a series of Monte Carlo simulations. These normalized individual response functions were formed into a single response matrix for the unfolding process. Several accelerator-based quasi-monoenergetic neutron source spectra were measured and unfolded to test this spectroscopy system. These reference neutrons were produced from two reactions: T(p,n)3He and D(d,n)3He, generating neutron energies in the range between 0.2 and 8 MeV. The unfolded quasi-monoenergetic neutron spectra indicated that the detection system can provide good neutron spectroscopy results in this energy range. A broad-energy neutron spectrum from the 9Be(d,n) reaction using a 5 MeV deuteron beam, measured at 60 degrees to the incident beam was measured and unfolded with the evaluated response matrix. The unfolded broad neutron spectrum is comparable with published time-of-flight results. Finally, the pair of detectors were used to measure the neutron spectrum generated at the RARAF IND-like neutron facility and a comparison is made to the neutron spectrum of Hiroshima. PMID:26273118

Evaluating the 239Pu prompt fission neutron spectrum induced by thermal to 30 MeV neutrons

DOE PAGES

Neudecker, Denise; Talou, Patrick; Kawano, Toshihiko; ...

2016-03-15

We present a new evaluation of the 239Pu prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) induced by thermal to 30 MeV neutrons. Compared to the ENDF/B-VII.1 evaluation, this one includes recently published experimental data as well as an improved and extended model description to predict PFNS. For instance, the pre-equilibrium neutron emission component to the PFNS is considered and the incident energy dependence of model parameters is parametrized more realistically. Experimental and model parameter uncertainties and covariances are estimated in detail. Also, evaluated covariances are provided between all PFNS at different incident neutron energies. In conclusion, selected evaluation results and first benchmarkmore » calculations using this evaluation are briefly discussed.« less

Evaluation of Neutron Response of Criticality Accident Alarm System Detector to Quasi-Monoenergetic 24 keV Neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsujimura, Norio; Yoshida, Tadayoshi; Yashima, Hiroshi

The criticality accident alarm system (CAAS), which was recently developed and installed at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency's Tokai Reprocessing Plant, consists of a plastic scintillator combined with a cadmium-lined polyethylene moderator and thereby responds to both neutrons and gamma rays. To evaluate the neutron absorbed dose rate response of the CAAS detector, a 24 keV quasi-monoenergetic neutron irradiation experiment was performed at the B-1 facility of the Kyoto University Research Reactor. The detector's evaluated neutron response was confirmed to agree reasonably well with prior computer-predicted responses.

In-Situ Spectrometry of Neutrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maurer, Richard H.

1999-01-01

High energy charged particles of extra-galactic, galactic and solar origin collide with spacecraft structures in Earth orbit outside the atmosphere and in interplanetary travel beyond the Earth's magnetosphere. These primaries create a number of secondary particles inside the structures that can produce a significant ionizing radiation environment. This radiation is a threat to long term inhabitants or travelers for space missions and produces an increased risk of cancer and DNA damage. The primary high energy cosmic rays and trapped protons collide with common spacecraft materials such as aluminum and silicon and create secondary particles inside structures that are mostly protons and neutrons. Charged protons are readily detected and instruments are already in existence for this task. Neutrons are electrically neutral and therefore much more difficult to measure and detect. These neutrons are reported to contribute 30-60% of the dose inside space structures and cannot be ignored. Currently there is no compact, portable and real time neutron detector instrumentation available for use inside spacecraft or on planetary surfaces where astronauts will live and work. We propose to design and build a portable, low power and robust neutron spectrometer that will measure the neutron spectrum from 10 KeV to 500 MeV with at least 10% energy resolution in the various energy intervals. This instrument will monitor the existing neutron environment both inside spacecraft structures and on planetary surfaces to determine the safest living areas, warn of high fluxes associated with solar storms and assist the NSBRI Radiation Effects Team in making an accurate assessment of increased cancer risk and DNA damage to astronauts. The instrument uses a highly efficient proportional counter Helium 3 tube at the lowest energy intervals where .equivalent damage factors for tissue are the highest (10 KeV-2 MeV). The Helium 3 tube may be shielded with a cadmium absorber to eliminate the much

Production of Sn and Sb isotopes in high-energy neutron-induced fission of natU

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattera, A.; Pomp, S.; Lantz, M.; Rakopoulos, V.; Solders, A.; Al-Adili, A.; Penttilä, H.; Moore, I. D.; Rinta-Antila, S.; Eronen, T.; Kankainen, A.; Pohjalainen, I.; Gorelov, D.; Canete, L.; Nesterenko, D.; Vilén, M.; Äystö, J.

2018-03-01

The first systematic measurement of neutron-induced fission yields has been performed at the upgraded IGISOL-4 facility at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. The fission products from high-energy neutron-induced fission of nat U were stopped in a gas cell filled with helium buffer gas, and were online separated with a dipole magnet. The isobars, with masses in the range A = 128-133 , were transported to a tape-implantation station and identified using γ -spectroscopy. We report here the relative cumulative isotopic yields of tin ( Z = 50) and the relative independent isotopic yields of antimony ( Z = 51) . Isomeric yield ratios were also obtained for five nuclides. The yields of tin show a staggered behaviour around A = 131 , not observed in the ENDF/B-VII.1 evaluation. The yields of antimony also contradict the trend from the evaluation, but are in agreement with a calculation performed using the GEF model that shows the yield increasing with mass in the range A = 128-133.

A New Measurement of Neutron Induced Fission Cross Sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magee, Joshua; Niffte Collaboration

2017-09-01

Neutron induced fission cross sections of actinides are of great interest in nuclear energy and stockpile stewardship. Traditionally, measurements of these cross sections have been made with fission chambers, which provide limited information on the actual fragments, and ultimately result in uncertainties on the order of several percent. The Neutron Induced Fission ragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) collaboration designed and built a fission Time Projection Chamber (fissionTPC), which provides additional information on these processes, through 3-dimensional tracking, improved particle identification, and in-situ profiles of target and beam non-uniformities. Ultimately, this should provide sub-percent measurements of (n,f) cross-sections. During the 2016 run cycle, measurements of the 238U(n,f)/235U(n,f) cross section shape was performed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility. An overview of the fission TPC will be given, as well as these recently reported results. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Active interrogation using low-energy nuclear reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antolak, Arlyn; Doyle, Barney; Leung, Ka-Ngo; Morse, Daniel; Provencio, Paula

2005-09-01

High-energy photons and neutrons can be used to interrogate for heavily shielded fissile materials inside sealed cargo containers by detecting their prompt and/or delayed fission signatures. The FIND (Fissmat Inspection for Nuclear Detection) active interrogation system is based on a dual neutron+gamma source that uses low-energy (< 500 keV) proton- or deuteron-induced nuclear reactions to produce high intensities of mono-energetic gamma rays and/or neutrons. The source can be operated in either pulsed (e.g., to detect delayed photofission neutrons and gammas) or continuous (e.g., detecting prompt fission signatures) modes. For the gamma-rays, the source target can be segmented to incorporate different (p,γ) isotopes for producing gamma-rays at selective energies, thereby improving the probability of detection. The design parameters for the FIND system are discussed and preliminary accelerator-based measurements of gamma and neutron yields, background levels, and fission signals for several target materials under consideration are presented.

Measurement of the energy dependence of X-ray-induced decomposition of potassium chlorate.

PubMed

Pravica, Michael; Bai, Ligang; Sneed, Daniel; Park, Changyong

2013-03-21

We report the first measurements of the X-ray induced decomposition of KClO3 as a function of energy in two experiments. KClO3 was pressurized to 3.5 GPa and irradiated with monochromatic synchrotron X-rays ranging in energy from 15 to 35 keV in 5 keV increments. A systematic increase in the decomposition rate as the energy was decreased was observed, which agrees with the 1/E(3) trend for the photoelectric process, except at the lowest energy studied. A second experiment was performed to access lower energies (10 and 12 keV) using a beryllium gasket; suggesting an apparent resonance near 15 keV or 0.83 Ǻ maximizing the chemical decomposition rate. A third experiment was performed using KIO3 to ascertain the anionic dependence of the decomposition rate, which was observed to be far slower than in KClO3, suggesting that the O-O distance is the critical factor in chemical reactions. These results will be important for more efficiently initiating chemical decomposition in materials using selected X-ray wavelengths that maximize decomposition to aid useful hard X-ray-induced chemistry and contribute understanding of the mechanism of X-ray-induced decomposition of the chlorates.

Neutron production mechanism in a plasma focus.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. H.; Shomo, L. P.; Williams, M. D.; Hermansdorfer, H.

1971-01-01

The neutrons emitted by a plasma focus were analyzed by using a time-of-flight method. Flight paths as large as 80 m were used to obtain better than 10% energy resolution. The energy spectrum of neutrons from d-d reactions in the plasma focus shows a sharp onset with average maximum energies of 2.8 and 3.2 MeV in the radial and the axial directions, respectively. The average half-width of the energy spectrum was 270 keV with a shot-to-shot variation between 150 and 400 keV. Simultaneous measurements in the axial and radial directions showed no appreciable difference in the half-widths and thus indicated randomly oriented ion velocities in the plasma. A converging ion model is described which is found to be in agreement with the measured quantities.

Measurement of Continuous-Energy Neutron-Incident Neutron-Production Cross Section

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Shigyo, Nobuhiro; Kunieda, Satoshi; Watanabe, Takehito

Continuous energy neutron-incident neutron-production double differential cross sections were measured at the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The energy of emitted neutrons was derived from the energy deposition in a detector. The incident-neutron energy was obtained by the time-of-flight method between the spallation target of WNR and the emitted neutron detector. Two types of detectors were adopted to measure the wide energy range of neutrons. The liquid organic scintillators covered up to 100 MeV. The recoil proton detectors that constitute the recoil proton radiator and phoswich type NaI (Tl) scintillators were used formore » neutrons above several tens of MeV. Iron and lead were used as sample materials. The experimental data were compared with the evaluated nuclear data, the results of GNASH, JQMD, and PHITS codes.« less

Absolute measurement of the 242Pu neutron-capture cross section

DOE PAGES

Buckner, M. Q.; Wu, C. Y.; Henderson, R. A.; ...

2016-04-21

Here, the absolute neutron-capture cross section of 242Pu was measured at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center using the Detector for Advanced Neutron-Capture Experiments array along with a compact parallel-plate avalanche counter for fission-fragment detection. The first direct measurement of the 242Pu(n,γ) cross section was made over the incident neutron energy range from thermal to ≈ 6 keV, and the absolute scale of the (n,γ) cross section was set according to the known 239Pu(n,f) resonance at E n,R = 7.83 eV. This was accomplished by adding a small quantity of 239Pu to the 242Pu sample. The relative scale of themore » cross section, with a range of four orders of magnitude, was determined for incident neutron energies from thermal to ≈ 40 keV. Our data, in general, are in agreement with previous measurements and those reported in ENDF/B-VII.1; the 242Pu(n,γ) cross section at the E n,R = 2.68 eV resonance is within 2.4% of the evaluated value. However, discrepancies exist at higher energies; our data are ≈30% lower than the evaluated data at E n ≈ 1 keV and are approximately 2σ away from the previous measurement at E n ≈ 20 keV.« less

New measurements on isobaric fission product yields and mean kinetic energy for 241Pu thermal neutron-induced fission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Julien-Laferrière, Sylvain; Kessedjian, Grégoire; Serot, Olivier; Chebboubi, Abdelaziz; Bernard, David; Blanc, Aurélien; Köster, Ulli; Litaize, Olivier; Materna, Thomas; Meplan, Olivier; Rapala, Michal; Sage, Christophe

2018-03-01

Nuclear fission yields data measurements for thermal neutron induced fission of 241Pu have been carried out at the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, using the Lohengrin mass spectrometer. Mass, isotopic and isomeric yields have been extracted for the last measurements. A focus is given in this document to the mass yield results which are obtained for almost the entire heavy peak and most of the light high yields masses, along with the covariance matrix. The mean kinetic energy as a function of the fission product mass has also been extracted from the measurements. The total mean kinetic energy pre and post neutron emission have been assessed and compared to other works showing a rather good agreement.

Measurement of the 234U(n, f ) cross-section with quasi-monoenergetic beams in the keV and MeV range using a Micromegas detector assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stamatopoulos, A.; Kanellakopoulos, A.; Kalamara, A.; Diakaki, M.; Tsinganis, A.; Kokkoris, M.; Michalopoulou, V.; Axiotis, M.; Lagoyiannis, A.; Vlastou, R.

2018-01-01

The 234U neutron-induced fission cross-section has been measured at incident neutron energies of 452, 550, 651 keV and 7.5, 8.7, 10 MeV using the 7Li ( p, n) and the 2H( d, n) reactions, respectively, relative to the 235U( n, f ) and 238U( n, f ) reference reactions. The measurement was performed at the neutron beam facility of the National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", using a set-up based on Micromegas detectors. The active mass of the actinide samples and the corresponding impurities were determined via α-spectroscopy using a surface barrier silicon detector. The neutron spectra intercepted by the actinide samples have been thoroughly studied by coupling the NeuSDesc and MCNP5 codes, taking into account the energy and angular straggling of the primary ion beams in the neutron source targets in addition to contributions from competing reactions ( e.g. deuteron break-up) and neutron scattering in the surrounding materials. Auxiliary Monte Carlo simulations were performed making combined use of the FLUKA and GEF codes, focusing particularly on the determination of the fission fragment detection efficiency. The developed methodology and the final results are presented.

Analysis of an Indirect Neutron Signature for Enhanced UF6 Cylinder Verification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kulisek, Jonathan A.; McDonald, Benjamin S.; Smith, Leon E.

2017-02-21

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) currently uses handheld gamma-ray spectrometers combined with ultrasonic wall-thickness gauges to verify the declared enrichment of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) cylinders. The current method provides relatively low accuracy for the assay of 235U enrichment, especially for natural and depleted UF6. Furthermore, the current method provides no capability to assay the absolute mass of 235U in the cylinder due to the localized instrument geometry and limited penetration of the 186-keV gamma-ray signature from 235U. Also, the current verification process is a time-consuming component of on-site inspections at uranium enrichment plants. Toward the goal of a more-capablemore » cylinder assay method, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed the hybrid enrichment verification array (HEVA). HEVA measures both the traditional 186-keV direct signature and a non-traditional, high-energy neutron-induced signature (HEVANT). HEVANT enables full-volume assay of UF6 cylinders by exploiting the relatively larger mean free paths of the neutrons emitted from the UF6. In this work, Monte Carlo modeling is used as the basis for characterizing HEVANT in terms of the individual contributions to HEVANT from nuclides and hardware components. Monte Carlo modeling is also used to quantify the intrinsic efficiency of HEVA for neutron detection in a cylinder-assay geometry. Modeling predictions are validated against neutron-induced gamma-ray spectra from laboratory measurements and a relatively large population of Type 30B cylinders spanning a range of enrichments. Implications of the analysis and findings on the viability of HEVA for cylinder verification are discussed, such as the resistance of the HEVANT signature to manipulation by the nearby placement of neutron-conversion materials.« less

Muonium formation at keV energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prokscha, T.; Morenzoni, E.; Garifianov, N.; Glückler, H.; Khasanov, R.; Luetkens, H.; Suter, A.

2003-02-01

Charge differentiation in μ + or muonium (Mu) as a consequence of the slowing down of μ + in matter is of fundamental interest in the μSR method. It is also of relevance for understanding the moderation process of μ + in van der Waals solids like s-Ne, s-Ar or s-N 2, which are the most suitable materials to generate epithermal μ + serving as a source for low-energy μ + (LE-μ +) beams. The LE-μ + beam at the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) allows us to study the formation of Mu at low implantation energies (0.5- 30 keV) in insulators and semiconductors. These investigations may help to clarify the interaction between the μ + and the electrons of its ionisation track since the number of track electrons can be tuned by varying the implantation energy. We present the first results of LE-μSR investigations on thin van der Waals solids (s-Ar, s-Xe), fused quartz ( SUPRASIL) and a quartz crystal, where the μ + and Mu fractions were measured as a function of the implantation energy.

Neutron induced radio-isotopes and background for Ge double beta decay experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Pinghan; Majorana Collaboration

2015-10-01

Environmental neutrons, mostly produced by muons in the cosmic rays, might contribute backgrounds to the search for neutrinoless double beta decays. These neutrons can interact with materials and generate radio-isotopes, which can decay and produce radioactive backgrounds. Some of these neutron-induced isotopes have a signature of a time-delayed coincidence, allowing us to study these infrequent events. For example, such isotopes can decay by beta decay to metastable states and then decay by gamma decay to the ground state. Considering the time-delayed coincidence of these two processes, we can determine candidates for these neutron-induced isotopes in the data and estimate the flux of neutrons in the deep underground environment. In this report, we will list possible neutron-induced isotopes and the methodology to detect them, especially those that can affect the search for neutrinoless double beta decays in 76Ge. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, the Particle Astrophysics Program of the National Science Foundation, and the Sanford Underground Research Facility. We acknowledge the support of the U.S. Department of Energy through the LANL/LDRD Program.

Isomeric ratio measurements for the radiative neutron capture 176Lu(n,γ) at DANCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denis-Petit, D.; Roig, O.; Méot, V.; Jandel, M.; Vieira, D. J.; Bond, E. M.; Bredeweg, T. A.; Couture, A. J.; Haight, R. C.; Keksis, A. L.; Rundberg, R. S.; Ullmann, J. L.

2016-03-01

The isomeric ratio for the neutron capture reaction 176Lu(n,γ) on the Jπ= 5/2-, 761.7 keV, T1/2=32.8 ns level of 177mLu, has been determined in the neutron energy range 8.5 eV-100 keV for the first time using the DANCE array at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Proposed low-energy absolute calibration of nuclear recoils in a dual-phase noble element TPC using D-D neutron scattering kinematics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verbus, J. R.; Rhyne, C. A.; Malling, D. C.; Genecov, M.; Ghosh, S.; Moskowitz, A. G.; Chan, S.; Chapman, J. J.; de Viveiros, L.; Faham, C. H.; Fiorucci, S.; Huang, D. Q.; Pangilinan, M.; Taylor, W. C.; Gaitskell, R. J.

2017-04-01

We propose a new technique for the calibration of nuclear recoils in large noble element dual-phase time projection chambers used to search for WIMP dark matter in the local galactic halo. This technique provides an in situ measurement of the low-energy nuclear recoil response of the target media using the measured scattering angle between multiple neutron interactions within the detector volume. The low-energy reach and reduced systematics of this calibration have particular significance for the low-mass WIMP sensitivity of several leading dark matter experiments. Multiple strategies for improving this calibration technique are discussed, including the creation of a new type of quasi-monoenergetic neutron source with a minimum possible peak energy of 272 keV. We report results from a time-of-flight-based measurement of the neutron energy spectrum produced by an Adelphi Technology, Inc. DD108 neutron generator, confirming its suitability for the proposed nuclear recoil calibration.

Preparation of relatively clean carbon backings used in charged particle induced x-ray studies for x-rays below 4 KeV

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kocur, P.; Duggan, J.L.; McDaniel, F.D.

1983-04-01

In a recent series of studies of M-shell ionization induced by protons, alpha particles, and fluorine ions, an unmanageable background of low energy contaminant x rays was observed. These K-shell x rays were primarily from Ca, K, Cl, S, P, Si and Na. The energy range of these contaminants is from 3.691 to 1.041 keV. The M-shell x rays being studied were for various elements from U ( about 3.5 keV) down to Eu (1.5 keV). In order to evaluate and reduce the problem, the contaminants for carbon foils from a number of different manufacturers and a wide variety ofmore » foil float-off procedures have been studied. Carbon foils have been produced in our laboratory using carbon rods from several different manufacturers. In this paper, techniques will be described that are most appropriate to reduce the above contaminants to a reasonable level. These techniques should be useful in trace element analysis (PIXE) studies and fundamental ionization measurements for low x-ray energies.« less

Evaluation of the Benjamin type proportional counter for absolute neutron spectrometry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taeb, M.

1985-01-01

This evaluation has shown that the major sources of uncertainty in experimental measurements with a Benjamin detector are: (1) detector pressure, (2) hydrogen gas purity, (3) detector calibration, and (4) operating voltage. To test these operational parameters, neutron spectra were measured at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) for silicon, scandium, iron, and bismuth filtered beams and angular penetration data through an 20.3 cm water slab. Results were then critically compared with theoretical calculations and with data from other spectrometer systems in regions of energy overlap. Neutron spectra having relatively small contributions from neutrons with energies higher than themore » energy range of the Benjamin spectrometer (at a specific pressure) generally exhibit excellent results. This is particularly true for the silicon filter (which produces two quasi-monoenergetic peaks at 55 keV and 144 keV) and the scandium filter (which creates a spectrum which decreases with increasing energy). For those spectra exhibiting relatively larger high energy neutron components, the results are less satisfying.« less

Studies of Neutron-Induced Fission of 235U, 238U, and 239Pu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duke, Dana; TKE Team

2014-09-01

A Frisch-gridded ionization chamber and the double energy (2E) analysis method were used to study mass yield distributions and average total kinetic energy (TKE) release from neutron-induced fission of 235U, 238U, and 239Pu. Despite decades of fission research, little or no TKE data exist for high incident neutron energies. Additional average TKE information at incident neutron energies relevant to defense- and energy-related applications will provide a valuable observable for benchmarking simulations. The data can also be used as inputs in theoretical fission models. The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center-Weapons Neutron Research (LANSCE - WNR) provides a neutron beam from thermal to hundreds of MeV, well-suited for filling in the gaps in existing data and exploring fission behavior in the fast neutron region. The results of the studies on 238U, 235U, and 239Pu will be presented. LA-UR-14-24921.

Evaluation of the Neutron Data Standards

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carlson, A. D.; Pronyaev, V. G.; Capote, R.

With the need for improving existing nuclear data evaluations, (e.g., ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3 releases) the first step was to evaluate the standards for use in such a library. This new standards evaluation made use of improved experimental data and some developments in the methodology of analysis and evaluation. In addition to the work on the traditional standards, this work produced the extension of some energy ranges and includes new reactions that are called reference cross sections. Since the effort extends beyond the traditional standards, it is called the neutron data standards evaluation. This international effort has produced new evaluations ofmore » the following cross section standards: the H(n,n), 6Li(n,t), 10B(n,α), 10B(n,α 1γ), natC(n,n), Au(n,γ), 235U(n,f) and 238U(n,f). Also in the evaluation process the 238U(n,γ) and 239Pu(n,f) cross sections that are not standards were evaluated. Evaluations were also obtained for data that are not traditional standards: the Maxwellian spectrum averaged cross section for the Au(n,γ) cross section at 30 keV; reference cross sections for prompt γ-ray production in fast neutron-induced reactions; reference cross sections for very high energy fission cross sections; the 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron spectrum and the 235U prompt fission neutron spectrum induced by thermal incident neutrons; and the thermal neutron constants. The data and covariance matrices of the uncertainties were obtained directly from the evaluation procedure.« less

Evaluation of the Neutron Data Standards

DOE PAGES

Carlson, A. D.; Pronyaev, V. G.; Capote, R.; ...

2018-02-01

With the need for improving existing nuclear data evaluations, (e.g., ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JEFF-3.3 releases) the first step was to evaluate the standards for use in such a library. This new standards evaluation made use of improved experimental data and some developments in the methodology of analysis and evaluation. In addition to the work on the traditional standards, this work produced the extension of some energy ranges and includes new reactions that are called reference cross sections. Since the effort extends beyond the traditional standards, it is called the neutron data standards evaluation. This international effort has produced new evaluations ofmore » the following cross section standards: the H(n,n), 6Li(n,t), 10B(n,α), 10B(n,α 1γ), natC(n,n), Au(n,γ), 235U(n,f) and 238U(n,f). Also in the evaluation process the 238U(n,γ) and 239Pu(n,f) cross sections that are not standards were evaluated. Evaluations were also obtained for data that are not traditional standards: the Maxwellian spectrum averaged cross section for the Au(n,γ) cross section at 30 keV; reference cross sections for prompt γ-ray production in fast neutron-induced reactions; reference cross sections for very high energy fission cross sections; the 252Cf spontaneous fission neutron spectrum and the 235U prompt fission neutron spectrum induced by thermal incident neutrons; and the thermal neutron constants. The data and covariance matrices of the uncertainties were obtained directly from the evaluation procedure.« less

Measurement of the 242Pu neutron capture cross section

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buckner, M. Q.; Wu, C. Y.; Henderson, R. A.; Bucher, B.; Bredeweg, T. A.; Baramsai, B.; Couture, A.; Jandel, M.; Mosby, S.; O'Donnell, J. M.; Ullmann, J. L.; Chyzh, A.; Dance Collaboration

2015-10-01

Precision (n,f) and (n, γ) cross sections are important for the network calculations of the radiochemical diagnostic chain for the U.S. DOE's Stockpile Stewardship Program. 242Pu(n, γ) cross section is relevant to the network calculations of Pu and Am. Additionally, new reactor concepts have catalyzed considerable interest in the measurement of improved cross sections for neutron-induced reactions on key actinides. To date, little or no experimental data has been reported on 242Pu(n, γ) for incident neutron energy below 50 keV. A new measurement of the 242Pu(n, γ) reaction was performed with the DANCE together with an improved PPAC for fission-fragment detection at LANSCE during FY14. The relative scale of the 242Pu(n, γ) cross section spans four orders of magnitude for incident neutron energies from thermal to ~ 30 keV. The absolute scale of the 242Pu(n, γ) cross section is set according to the measured 239Pu(n,f) resonance at 7.8 eV; the target was spiked with 239Pu for this measurement. The absolute 242Pu(n, γ) neutron capture cross section is ~ 30% higher than the cross section reported in ENDF for the 2.7 eV resonance. Latest results to be reported. Funded by U.S. DOE Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (LLNL) and DE-AC52-06NA25396 (LANL). U.S. DOE/NNSA Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development. Isotopes (ORNL).

Examination of total cross section resonance structure of niobium and silicon in neutron transmission experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrianova, Olga; Lomakov, Gleb; Manturov, Gennady

2017-09-01

The neutron transmission experiments are one of the main sources of information about the neutron cross section resonance structure and effect in the self-shielding. Such kind of data for niobium and silicon nuclides in energy range 7 keV to 3 MeV can be obtained from low-resolution transmission measurements performed earlier in Russia (with samples of 0.027 to 0.871 atom/barn for niobium and 0.076 to 1.803 atom/barn for silicon). A significant calculation-to-experiment discrepancy in energy range 100 to 600 keV and 300 to 800 keV for niobium and silicon, respectively, obtained using the evaluated nuclear data library ROSFOND, were found. The EVPAR code was used for estimation the average resonance parameters in energy range 7 to 600 keV for niobium. For silicon a stochastic optimization method was used to modify the resolved resonance parameters in energy range 300 to 800 keV. The improved ROSFOND evaluated nuclear data files were tested in calculation of ICSBEP integral benchmark experiments.

Energy-dependent RBE of neutrons to induce micronuclei in root-tip cells of Allium cepa onion irradiated as dry dormant seeds and seedlings.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenyi; Fujikawa, Kazuo; Endo, Satoru; Ishikawa, Masayori; Ohtaki, Megu; Ikeda, Hideo; Hoshi, Masaharu

2003-06-01

The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of various energy neutrons produced from a Schenkel-type accelerator at the Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University (HIRRAC), compared with 60Co gamma-ray radiation was determined. The neutron radiations and gamma-ray radiation produced good linear changes in the frequency of micronuclei induced in the root-tip cells of Allium cepa onion irradiated as dry dormant seeds (seed assay) and seedlings (seedling assay) with varying radiation doses. Therefore the RBE for radiation-induced micronuclei can be calculated as the ratio of the slopes of the fitted linear dose response for the neutron radiations and the 60Co gamma-ray radiation. The RBE values by seed assay and seedling assay decreased to 174 +/- 7, from 216 +/- 9, and to 31.4 +/- 1.0, from 45.3 +/- 1.3 (one standard error), respectively, when neutron energies increased to 1.0 MeV, from 0.2 MeV, in the present study. Furthermore, the ratio of the micronucleus induction rates of seed assay to seedling assay by gamma-ray radiation was much lower than that by neutron radiations.

SURVIVAL DEPTH OF ORGANICS IN ICES UNDER LOW-ENERGY ELECTRON RADIATION ({<=}2 keV)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Barnett, Irene Li; Lignell, Antti; Gudipati, Murthy S., E-mail: gudipati@jpl.nasa.gov

2012-03-01

Icy surfaces in our solar system are continually modified and sputtered with electrons, ions, and photons from solar wind, cosmic rays, and local magnetospheres in the cases of Jovian and Saturnian satellites. In addition to their prevalence, electrons specifically are expected to be a principal radiolytic agent on these satellites. Among energetic particles (electrons and ions), electrons penetrate by far the deepest into the ice and could cause damage to organic material of possible prebiotic and even biological importance. To determine if organic matter could survive and be detected through remote sensing or in situ explorations on these surfaces, suchmore » as water ice-rich Europa, it is important to obtain accurate data quantifying electron-induced chemistry and damage depths of organics at varying incident electron energies. Experiments reported here address the quantification issue at lower electron energies (100 eV-2 keV) through rigorous laboratory data analysis obtained using a novel methodology. A polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecule, pyrene, embedded in amorphous water ice films of controlled thicknesses served as an organic probe. UV-VIS spectroscopic measurements enabled quantitative assessment of organic matter survival depths in water ice. Eight ices of various thicknesses were studied to determine damage depths more accurately. The electron damage depths were found to be linear, approximately 110 nm keV{sup -1}, in the tested range which is noticeably higher than predictions by Monte Carlo simulations by up to 100%. We conclude that computational simulations underestimate electron damage depths in the energy region {<=}2 keV. If this trend holds at higher electron energies as well, present models utilizing radiation-induced organic chemistry in icy solar system bodies need to be revisited. For interstellar ices of a few micron thicknesses, we conclude that low-energy electrons generated through photoionization processes in the interstellar

Stellar Neutron Capture Cross Sections of the Lu and Hf Isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wisshak, K.; Voss, F.; Käppeler, F.; Kazakov, L.; Krtička, M.

2005-05-01

The neutron capture cross sections of 175,176Lu and 176,177,178,179,180Hf have been measured in the energy range from 3 to 225 keV at the Karlsruhe 3.7 MV Van de Graaff accelerator relative to the gold standard. Neutrons were produced by the 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction and capture events were detected by the Karlsruhe 4πBaF2 detector. The cross section ratios could be determined with uncertainties between 0.9 and 1.8% about a factor of five more accurate than previous data. A strong population of isomeric states was found in neutron capture of the Hf isotopes, which are only partially explained by CASINO/GEANT simulations based on the known level schemes. Maxwellian averaged neutron capture cross sections were calculated for thermal energies between kT = 8 keV and 100 keV. Severe differences up to40% were found to the data of a recent evaluation based on existing experimental results. The new data allow for a much more reliable analysis of the important branching in the s-process synthesis path at 176Lu which can be interpreted as an s-process thermometer.

Measurement of the energy and multiplicity distributions of neutrons from the photofission of U 235

DOE PAGES

Clarke, S. D.; Wieger, B. M.; Enqvist, A.; ...

2017-06-20

For the first time, the complete neutron multiplicity distribution has been measured in this study from the photofission of 235U induced by high-energy spallation γ rays arriving ahead of the neutron beam at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The resulting average neutron multiplicity 3.80 ± 0.08 (stat.) neutrons per photofission is in general agreement with previous measurements. In addition, unique measurements of the prompt fission energy spectrum of the neutrons from photofission and the angular correlation of two-neutron energies emitted in photofission also were made. Finally, the results are compared to calculations with the complete event fission model FREYA.

High-resolution integrated germanium Compton polarimeter for the γ-ray energy range 80 keV-1 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sareen, R. A.; Urban, W.; Barnett, A. R.; Varley, B. J.

1995-06-01

Parameters which govern the choice of a detection system to measure the linear polarization of γ rays at low energies are discussed. An integrated polarimeter is described which is constructed from a single crystal of germanium. It is a compact planar device with the sectors defined electrically, and which gives an energy resolution in the add-back mode of 1 keV at 300 keV. Its performance is demonstrated in a series of calibration measurements using both unpolarized radiation from radioactive sources and polarized γ rays from the 168Er(α,2n)170Yb reaction at Eα=25 MeV. Polarization measurements at energies as low as 84 keV have been achieved, where the sensitivity was 0.32±0.09. The sensitivity, efficiency, and energy resolution are reported. Our results indicate that energy resolution should be included in the definition of the figure of merit and we relate the new definition to earlier work. The comparisons show the advantages of the present design in the energy range below 300 keV and its competitiveness up to 1500 keV.

Lanl Neutron-Induced Fission Cross Section Measurement Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laptev, A. B.; Tovesson, F.; Hill, T. S.

2014-09-01

A well established program of neutron-induced fission cross section measurement at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) is supporting the Fuel Cycle Research program (FC R&D). Combining measurements at two LANSCE facilities, the Lujan Center and the Weapons Neutron Research facility (WNR), cover neutron energies over 10 orders of magnitude: from sub-thermal up to 200 MeV. A parallel-plate fission ionization chamber was used as a fission fragment detector. The 235U(n,f) standard was used as the reference. Fission cross sections have been measured for multiple actinides. The new data presented here completes the suite of long-lived Uranium isotopes that were investigated with this experimental approach. The cross section data are presented in comparison with existing evaluations and previous measurements.

Probing astrophysically important states in the 26Mg nucleus to study neutron sources for the s process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Talwar, R.; Adachi, T.; Berg, G. P. A.; Bin, L.; Bisterzo, S.; Couder, M.; deBoer, R. J.; Fang, X.; Fujita, H.; Fujita, Y.; Görres, J.; Hatanaka, K.; Itoh, T.; Kadoya, T.; Long, A.; Miki, K.; Patel, D.; Pignatari, M.; Shimbara, Y.; Tamii, A.; Wiescher, M.; Yamamoto, T.; Yosoi, M.

2016-05-01

states from the experimental data. The results were used to determine the α -capture induced reaction rates. Conclusion: The energy range above the α threshold in 26Mg was investigated using a high resolution spectrometer. A number of states were observed for the first time in α -scattering and α -transfer reactions. The excitation energies and spin-parities were determined. Good agreement is observed for previously known levels in 26Mg. From the observed resonance levels the Ex = 10717 keV state has a negligible contribution to the α -induced reaction rates. The rates are dominated in both reaction channels by the resonance contributions of the states at Ex = 10951, 11167, and 11317 keV. The Ex = 11167 keV state has the most appreciable impact on the (α ,γ ) rate and therefore plays an important role in the prediction of the neutron production in s -process environments.

Neutron Energy and Flux Distributions from a Crossed-Field Acceleration Model of Plasma Focus and Z-Pinch Discharges.

DTIC Science & Technology

plasma focus . A generalized beam-target model is assumed where (1) high-energy deuterons have angular distributions consistent with a crossed-field acceleration mechanism, and (2) these energetic deuterons undergo fusion collisions primarily with stationary target ions. Energy distributions of ions proportional to 1/(E sub d) cubed in the range from 50 to as high as 600 keV give computed results agreeing with many experimental observations at laboratory angles of 0, 90, and 180 deg. These ion-energy distributions can account for a 50- to 100-fold increase in neutron yeild

Monte Carlo calculation for the development of a BNCT neutron source (1eV-10KeV) using MCNP code.

PubMed

El Moussaoui, F; El Bardouni, T; Azahra, M; Kamili, A; Boukhal, H

2008-09-01

Different materials have been studied in order to produce the epithermal neutron beam between 1eV and 10KeV, which are extensively used to irradiate patients with brain tumors such as GBM. For this purpose, we have studied three different neutrons moderators (H(2)O, D(2)O and BeO) and their combinations, four reflectors (Al(2)O(3), C, Bi, and Pb) and two filters (Cd and Bi). Results of calculation showed that the best obtained assembly configuration corresponds to the combination of the three moderators H(2)O, BeO and D(2)O jointly to Al(2)O(3) reflector and two filter Cd+Bi optimize the spectrum of the epithermal neutron at 72%, and minimize the thermal neutron to 4% and thus it can be used to treat the deep tumor brain. The calculations have been performed by means of the Monte Carlo N (particle code MCNP 5C). Our results strongly encourage further studying of irradiation of the head with epithermal neutron fields.

Beta-gamma spectroscopy of the neutron-rich 150Ba

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, R.; Ideguchi, E.; Simpson, G. S.; Tanaka, Mn; Nishimura, S.; Doornenbal, P.; Lorusso, G.; Söderström, P.-A.; Sumikama, T.; Wu, J.; Xu, Z. Y.; Aoi, N.; Baba, H.; Bello Garrote, F. L.; Benzoni, G.; Browne, F.; Daido, R.; Fang, Y.; Fukuda, N.; Gottardo, A.; Gey, G.; Go, S.; Inabe, N.; Isobe, T.; Kameda, D.; Kobayashi, K.; Kobayashi, M.; Kojouharov, I.; Komatsubara, T.; Kubo, T.; Kurz, N.; Kuti, I.; Li, Z.; Matsushita, M.; Michimasa, S.; Moon, C. B.; Nishibata, H.; Nishizuka, I.; Odahara, A.; Patel, Z.; Rice, S.; Sahin, E.; Sakurai, H.; Schaffner, H.; Sinclair, L.; Suzuki, H.; Takeda, H.; Taprogge, J.; Vajta, Zs; Watanabe, H.; Yagi, A.; Inakura, T.

2018-04-01

Excited states in the neutron-rich nucleus ^{150}Ba have been observed via β-γ spectroscopy at the Radioactive Isotope Beam Factory, RIKEN Nishina Center. The ^{150}Ba ions were produced by the in-flight fission of a ^{238}U beam with an energy of 345 MeV/nucleon. The E(2+) energy of ^{150}Ba was identified at 100 keV, which is the lowest known in the neutron-rich Ba isotopes. A γ-ray peak was also observed at 597 keV. A mean-field calculation with a fully 3D real space was performed and a static octupole deformation was obtained for the Ba isotopes. K^{π}=0- and 1- excited states with significant octupole collectivity were newly predicted at around or lower than 1 MeV on the ground state of ^{150}Ba by a random-phase approximation calculation. The 597 keV γ ray can be interpreted as a negative-parity state, showing that ^{150}Ba may possess octupole collectivity.

[Shape of neutron energy].

PubMed

Nohtomi, Akihiro

2012-01-01

Cone-like acryl converters have been used for transforming the energy-distribution information of incident fast neutrons into the spatial-distribution information of recoil protons. The characteristics of neutron-proton conversion have been studied up to around 10MeV by using an imaging plate (IP). A notable and interesting signal enhancement due to recoil protons generated in an acrylic converter was observed on IP images for irradiation with a 252Cf source. A Monte Carlo calculation was carried out in order to understand the spatial distributions of the signal enhancement by recoil protons; these distributions promisingly involve the energy information of incident neutrons in principle. Consequently, it has been revealed that the neutron energy evaluation is surely possible by analyzing the spatial distributions of signal enhancement that is caused by recoil protons.

Neutron induced fission of 237Np - status, challenges and opportunities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruskov, Ivan; Goverdovski, Andrei; Furman, Walter; Kopatch, Yury; Shcherbakov, Oleg; Hambsch, Franz-Josef; Oberstedt, Stephan; Oberstedt, Andreas

2018-03-01

Nowadays, there is an increased interest in a complete study of the neutron-induced fission of 237Np. This is due to the need of accurate and reliable nuclear data for nuclear science and technology. 237Np is generated (and accumulated) in the nuclear reactor core during reactor operation. As one of the most abundant long-lived isotopes in spent fuel ("waste"), the incineration of 237Np becomes an important issue. One scenario for burning of 237Np and other radio-toxic minor actinides suggests they are to be mixed into the fuel of future fast-neutron reactors, employing the so-called transmutation and partitioning technology. For testing present fission models, which are at the basis of new generation nuclear reactor developments, highly accurate and detailed neutron-induced nuclear reaction data is needed. However, the EXFOR nuclear database for 237Np on neutron-induced capture cross-section, σγ, and fission cross-section, σf, as well as on the characteristics of capture and fission resonance parameters (Γγ, Γf, σoΓf, fragments mass-energy yield distributions, multiplicities of neutrons vn and γ-rays vγ), has not been updated for decades.

Inspection of 56Fe γ-Ray angular distributions as a function of incident neutron energy using optical model approaches

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vanhoy, J. R.; Ramirez, A. P.; Alcorn-Dominguez, D. K.; Hicks, S. F.; Peters, E. E.; McEllistrem, M. T.; Mukhopadhyay, S.; Yates, S. W.

2017-09-01

Neutron inelastic scattering cross sections measured directly through (n,n) or deduced from γ-ray production cross sections following inelastic neutron scattering (n,n'γ) are a focus of basic and applied research at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory (www.pa.uky.edu/accelerator). For nuclear data applications, angle-integrated cross sections are desired over a wide range of fast neutron energies. Several days of experimental beam time are required for a data set at each incident neutron energy, which limits the number of angular distributions that can be measured in a reasonable amount of time. Approximations can be employed to generate cross sections with a higher energy resolution, since at 125o, the a2P2 term of the Legendre expansion is identically zero and the a4P4 is assumed to be very small. Provided this assumption is true, a single measurement at 125o would produce the γ-ray production cross section. This project tests these assumptions and energy dependences using the codes CINDY/SCAT and TALYS/ECIS06/SCAT. It is found that care must be taken when interpreting γ-ray excitation functions as cross sections when the incident neutron energy is < 1000 keV above threshold or before the onset of feeding.

Neutron energy measurement for practical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roshan, M. V.; Sadeghi, H.; Ghasabian, M.; Mazandarani, A.

2018-03-01

Industrial demand for neutrons constrains careful energy measurements. Elastic scattering of monoenergetic α -particles from neutron collision enables neutron energy measurement by calculating the amount of deviation from the position where collision takes place. The neutron numbers with specific energy is obtained by counting the number of α -particles in the corresponding location on the charged particle detector. Monte Carlo simulation and COMSOL Multiphysics5.2 are used to account for one-to-one collision of neutrons with α -particles.

Cosmic Ray Induced Neutron Irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Overholt, Andrew

2011-11-01

After cancer studies performed on flight crews during the 1970s, it was found that cosmic rays produce a signficant flux of thermal neutrons at airplane altitudes. In the case of high energy cosmic rays these biologically threatening neutrons are increased at ground level. Our work models the flux of neutrons produced by high energy cosmic rays, exploring the possibility of biological impact due to extended periods of increase high energy cosmic ray flux.

Neutron Capture Cross Section of Unstable Ni63: Implications for Stellar Nucleosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lederer, C.; Massimi, C.; Altstadt, S.; Andrzejewski, J.; Audouin, L.; Barbagallo, M.; Bécares, V.; Bečvář, F.; Belloni, F.; Berthoumieux, E.; Billowes, J.; Boccone, V.; Bosnar, D.; Brugger, M.; Calviani, M.; Calviño, F.; Cano-Ott, D.; Carrapiço, C.; Cerutti, F.; Chiaveri, E.; Chin, M.; Colonna, N.; Cortés, G.; Cortés-Giraldo, M. A.; Diakaki, M.; Domingo-Pardo, C.; Duran, I.; Dressler, R.; Dzysiuk, N.; Eleftheriadis, C.; Ferrari, A.; Fraval, K.; Ganesan, S.; García, A. R.; Giubrone, G.; Gómez-Hornillos, M. B.; Gonçalves, I. F.; González-Romero, E.; Griesmayer, E.; Guerrero, C.; Gunsing, F.; Gurusamy, P.; Jenkins, D. G.; Jericha, E.; Kadi, Y.; Käppeler, F.; Karadimos, D.; Kivel, N.; Koehler, P.; Kokkoris, M.; Korschinek, G.; Krtička, M.; Kroll, J.; Langer, C.; Leeb, H.; Leong, L. S.; Losito, R.; Manousos, A.; Marganiec, J.; Martínez, T.; Mastinu, P. F.; Mastromarco, M.; Meaze, M.; Mendoza, E.; Mengoni, A.; Milazzo, P. M.; Mingrone, F.; Mirea, M.; Mondelaers, W.; Paradela, C.; Pavlik, A.; Perkowski, J.; Pignatari, M.; Plompen, A.; Praena, J.; Quesada, J. M.; Rauscher, T.; Reifarth, R.; Riego, A.; Roman, F.; Rubbia, C.; Sarmento, R.; Schillebeeckx, P.; Schmidt, S.; Schumann, D.; Tagliente, G.; Tain, J. L.; Tarrío, D.; Tassan-Got, L.; Tsinganis, A.; Valenta, S.; Vannini, G.; Variale, V.; Vaz, P.; Ventura, A.; Versaci, R.; Vermeulen, M. J.; Vlachoudis, V.; Vlastou, R.; Wallner, A.; Ware, T.; Weigand, M.; Weiß, C.; Wright, T. J.; Žugec, P.

2013-01-01

The Ni63(n,γ) cross section has been measured for the first time at the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN from thermal neutron energies up to 200 keV. In total, capture kernels of 12 (new) resonances were determined. Maxwellian averaged cross sections were calculated for thermal energies from kT=5-100keV with uncertainties around 20%. Stellar model calculations for a 25M⊙ star show that the new data have a significant effect on the s-process production of Cu63, Ni64, and Zn64 in massive stars, allowing stronger constraints on the Cu yields from explosive nucleosynthesis in the subsequent supernova.

Near threshold ⁷Li(p,n) ⁷Be reaction as neutron source for BNCT.

PubMed

Minsky, D M; Kreiner, A J

2015-12-01

(7)Li(p,n)(7)Be is an endothermic reaction and working near its threshold (1.88 MeV) has the advantage of neutron spectra with maximum energies of about 100 keV, considerably lower than at higher beam energies, or than using other neutron-producing reactions or as for the uranium fission spectrum, relevant for BNCT based on nuclear reactors. With this primary energy it is much easier to obtain the energies needed for treating deep seated tumors by BNCT (about 10 keV). This work studies bombarding energies up to 2.05 MeV, different beam incidence angles and the effect of the undesirable gamma production via the (7)Li(p,γp') (7)Li reaction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurements of fission product yield in the neutron-induced fission of 238U with average energies of 9.35 MeV and 12.52 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukerji, Sadhana; Krishnani, Pritam Das; Shivashankar, Byrapura Siddaramaiah; Mulik, Vikas Kaluram; Suryanarayana, Saraswatula Venkat; Naik, Haladhara; Goswami, Ashok

2014-07-01

The yields of various fission products in the neutron-induced fission of 238U with the flux-weightedaveraged neutron energies of 9.35 MeV and 12.52 MeV were determined by using an off-line gammaray spectroscopic technique. The neutrons were generated using the 7Li(p, n) reaction at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre-Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Pelletron facility, Mumbai. The gamma- ray activities of the fission products were counted in a highly-shielded HPGe detector over a period of several weeks to identify the decaying fission products. At both the neutron energies, the fission-yield values are reported for twelve fission product. The results obtained from the present work have been compared with the similar data for mono-energetic neutrons of comparable energy from the literature and are found to be in good agreement. The peak-to-valley (P/V) ratios were calculated from the fission-yield data and were found to decreases for neutron energy from 9.35 to 12.52 MeV, which indicates the role of excitation energy. The effect of the nuclear structure on the fission product-yield is discussed.

Observations of solar flare photon energy spectra from 20 keV to 7 MeV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yoshimori, M.; Watanabe, H.; Nitta, N.

1985-01-01

Solar flare photon energy spectra in the 20 keV to 7 MeV range are derived from the Apr. 1, Apr. 4, apr. 27 and May 13, 1981 flares. The flares were observed with a hard X-ray and a gamma-ray spectrometers on board the Hinotori satellite. The results show that the spectral shape varies from flare to flare and the spectra harden in energies above about 400 keV. Effects of nuclear line emission on the continuum and of higher energy electron bremsstrahlung are considered to explain the spectral hardening.

Neutron resonance parameters of 6830Zn+n and statistical distributions of level spacings and widths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garg, J. B.; Tikku, V. K.; Harvey, J. A.; Halperin, J.; Macklin, R. L.

1982-04-01

Discrete values of the parameters (E0, gΓn, Jπ, Γγ, etc.) of the resonances in the reaction 6830Zn + n have been determined from total cross section measurements from a few keV to 380 keV with a nominal resolution of 0.07 ns/m for the highest energy and from capture cross section measurements up to 130 keV using the pulsed neutron time-of-flight technique with a neutron burst width of 5 ns. The cross section data were analyzed to determine the parameters of the resonances using R-matrix multilevel codes. These results have provided values of average quantities as follows: S0=(2.01+/-0.34), S1=(0.56+/-0.05), S2=(0.2+/-0.1) in units of 10-4, D0=(5.56+/-0.43) keV and D1=(1.63+/-0.14) keV. From these measurements we have also determined the following average radiation widths: (Γ¯γ)l=0=(302+/-60) meV and (Γ¯γ)l=1=(157 +/-7) meV. The investigation of the statistical properties of neutron reduced widths and level spacings showed excellent agreement of the data with the Porter-Thomas distribution for s- and p-wave neutron widths and with the Dyson-Mehta Δ3 statistic and the Wigner distribution for the s-wave level spacing distribution. In addition, a correlation coefficient of ρ=0.50+/-0.10 between Γ0n and Γγ has been observed for s-wave resonances. The value of <σnγ> at (30+/-10) keV is 19.2 mb. NUCLEAR REACTIONS 3068Zn(n,n), 3068Zn(n,γ), E=few keV to 380, 130 keV, respectively. Measured total and capture cross sections versus neutron energy, deduced resonance parameters, E0, Jπ, gΓn, Γγ, S0, S1, S2, D0, D1.

The JET neutron time-of-flight spectrometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elevant, T.; Aronsson, D.; van Belle, P.; Grosshoeg, G.; Hoek, M.; Olsson, M.; Sadler, G.

1991-08-01

An instrument for measuring neutron energy spectra over the interval 1 to 20 MeV has been developed and tested. It is based on time-of-flight measurements in between correlated events in two spatially separated sets of plastic scintillators. This instrument has been installed at the Joint European Tours (JET). We describe here the required operating conditions, performance tests and results of three years of operation during which neutron energy spectra in the 2-3 MeV range from D(d, n) 3He reactions in JET were studied. Some technical details are given and the results from Monte Carlo and analytical model calculations of the spectrometer energy resolution and response function are presented. The efficiency of the system is ≈ 1 × 10 -2 cm 2 counted at the position of the first detector. Together with the geometry conditions at JET this yields 6 × 10 2 counts per 10 15 neutrons emitted. The energy resolution is in the interval from 125 to 133 keV (FWHM) depending on conditions and is known to an accuracy of ±5 keV. Correction for the inevitable random background is dealt with in detail and a reduction procedure valid for fast variations in neutron count-rates is provided. Plasma ion temperatures deduced from the neutron spectra agree within statistical limits with the results from other diagnostic techniques in use at JET. Stable behaviour up to useful count-rates of 3 × 10 3 counts/s have been obtained, making possible the study of neutron spectra on the short time-scales typical of fusion plasmas.

Mineral exploration and soil analysis using in situ neutron activation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Senftle, F.E.; Hoyte, A.F.

1966-01-01

A feasibility study has been made to operate by remote control an unshielded portable positive-ion accelerator type neutron source to induce activities in the ground or rock by "in situ" neutron irradiation. Selective activation techniques make it possible to detect some thirty or more elements by irradiating the ground for periods of a few minutes with either 3-MeV or 14-MeV neutrons. The depth of penetration of neutrons, the effect of water content of the soil on neutron moderation, gamma ray attenuation in the soil and other problems are considered. The analysis shows that, when exploring for most elements of economic interest, the reaction 2H(d,n)3He yielding ??? 3-MeV neutrons is most practical to produce a relatively uniform flux of neutrons of less than 1 keV to a depth of 19???-20???. Irradiation with high energy neutrons (??? 14 MeV) can also be used and may be better suited for certain problems. However, due to higher background and lower sensitivity for the heavy minerals, it is not a recommended neutron source for general exploration use. Preliminary experiments have been made which indicate that neutron activation in situ is feasible for a mineral exploration or qualititative soil analysis. ?? 1976.

The Neutrons for Science Facility at SPIRAL-2.

PubMed

Ledoux, X; Aïche, M; Avrigeanu, M; Avrigeanu, V; Balanzat, E; Ban-d'Etat, B; Ban, G; Bauge, E; Bélier, G; Bém, P; Borcea, C; Caillaud, T; Chatillon, A; Czajkowski, S; Dessagne, P; Doré, D; Fischer, U; Frégeau, M O; Grinyer, J; Guillous, S; Gunsing, F; Gustavsson, C; Henning, G; Jacquot, B; Jansson, K; Jurado, B; Kerveno, M; Klix, A; Landoas, O; Lecolley, F R; Lecouey, J L; Majerle, M; Marie, N; Materna, T; Mrázek, J; Novák, J; Oberstedt, S; Oberstedt, A; Panebianco, S; Perrot, L; Plompen, A J M; Pomp, S; Prokofiev, A V; Ramillon, J M; Farget, F; Ridikas, D; Rossé, B; Serot, O; Simakov, S P; Šimecková, E; Stanoiu, M; Štefánik, M; Sublet, J C; Taïeb, J; Tarrío, D; Tassan-Got, L; Thfoin, I; Varignon, C

2017-11-21

The neutrons for science (NFS) facility is a component of SPIRAL-2, the new superconducting linear accelerator built at GANIL in Caen (France). The proton and deuteron beams delivered by the accelerator will allow producing intense neutron fields in the 100 keV-40 MeV energy range. Continuous and quasi-mono-kinetic energy spectra, respectively, will be available at NFS, produced by the interaction of a deuteron beam on a thick Be converter and by the 7Li(p,n) reaction on thin converter. The pulsed neutron beam, with a flux up to two orders of magnitude higher than those of other existing time-of-flight facilities, will open new opportunities of experiments in fundamental research as well as in nuclear data measurements. In addition to the neutron beam, irradiation stations for neutron-, proton- and deuteron-induced reactions will be available for cross-sections measurements and for the irradiation of electronic devices or biological cells. NFS, whose first experiment is foreseen in 2018, will be a very powerful tool for physics, fundamental research as well as applications like the transmutation of nuclear waste, design of future fission and fusion reactors, nuclear medicine or test and development of new detectors. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Nuclear Poincaré cycle synchronizes with the incident de Broglie wave to predict regularity in neutron resonance energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ohkubo, Makio

2016-06-01

In observed neutron resonances, long believed to be a form of quantum chaos, regular family structures are found in the s-wave resonances of many even-even nuclei in the tens keV to MeV region [M.Ohkubo, Phys. Rev. C 87, 014608(2013)]. Resonance reactions take place when the incident de Broglie wave synchronizes with the Poincaré cycle of the compound nucleus, which is composed of several normal modes with periods that are time quantized by inverse Fermi energy. Based on the breathing model of the compound nucleus, neutron resonance energies in family structures are written by simple arithmetic expressions using Sn and small integers. Family structures in observed resonances of 40Ca+n and 37Cl+n are described as simple cases. A model for time quantization is discussed.

Inspection of 56Fe γ-Ray angular distributions as a function of incident neutron energy using optical model approaches

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vanhoy, J. R.; Ramirez, A. P.; Alcorn-Dominguez, D. K.

Neutron inelastic scattering cross sections measured directly through (n,n) or deduced from g-ray production cross sections following inelastic neutron scattering (n,n0) are a focus of basic and applied research at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory (www.pa.uky.edu/accelerator). For nuclear data applications, angle-integrated cross sections are desired over a wide range of fast neutron energies. Several days of experimental beam time are required for a data set at each incident neutron energy, which limits the number of angular distributions that can be measured in a reasonable amount of time. Approximations can be employed to generate cross sections with a higher energymore » resolution, since at 125°, the a 2P 2 term of the Legendre expansion is identically zero and the a 4P 4 is assumed to be very small. Provided this assumption is true, a single measurement at 125o would produce the g-ray production cross section. Finally, this project tests these assumptions and energy dependences using the codes CINDY/SCAT and TALYS/ECIS06/SCAT. It is found that care must be taken when interpreting g-ray excitation functions as cross sections when the incident neutron energy is <1000 keV above threshold or before the onset of feeding.« less

Inspection of 56Fe γ-Ray angular distributions as a function of incident neutron energy using optical model approaches

DOE PAGES

Vanhoy, J. R.; Ramirez, A. P.; Alcorn-Dominguez, D. K.; ...

2017-09-13

Neutron inelastic scattering cross sections measured directly through (n,n) or deduced from g-ray production cross sections following inelastic neutron scattering (n,n0) are a focus of basic and applied research at the University of Kentucky Accelerator Laboratory (www.pa.uky.edu/accelerator). For nuclear data applications, angle-integrated cross sections are desired over a wide range of fast neutron energies. Several days of experimental beam time are required for a data set at each incident neutron energy, which limits the number of angular distributions that can be measured in a reasonable amount of time. Approximations can be employed to generate cross sections with a higher energymore » resolution, since at 125°, the a 2P 2 term of the Legendre expansion is identically zero and the a 4P 4 is assumed to be very small. Provided this assumption is true, a single measurement at 125o would produce the g-ray production cross section. Finally, this project tests these assumptions and energy dependences using the codes CINDY/SCAT and TALYS/ECIS06/SCAT. It is found that care must be taken when interpreting g-ray excitation functions as cross sections when the incident neutron energy is <1000 keV above threshold or before the onset of feeding.« less

Neutron flux measurements around PLT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zankl, G.; Strachan, J.D.; Lewis, R.

1980-09-01

Using Indium activation foils, the toroidal and poloidal neutron emission patterns were determined for PLT plasmas which include ICRF and neutral beam heating. The activities produced the /sup 115/In (n,n') /sup 115m/In reaction were determined by counting the 336 keV ..gamma.. line of the /sup 115m/In decay. This activation cross section falls just below 2.5 MeV so that the influence of scattered neutrons of degraded energies is reduced. From the magnitude of the activity, the absolute calibration of the PLT fusion neutron emission is obtained with less than or equal to 40% accuracy.

Prompt fission neutron spectra from fission induced by 1 to 8 MeV neutrons on U235 and Pu239 using the double time-of-flight technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noda, S.; Haight, R. C.; Nelson, R. O.; Devlin, M.; O'Donnell, J. M.; Chatillon, A.; Granier, T.; Bélier, G.; Taieb, J.; Kawano, T.; Talou, P.

2011-03-01

Prompt fission neutron spectra from U235 and Pu239 were measured for incident neutron energies from 1 to 200 MeV at the Weapons Neutron Research facility (WNR) of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center, and the experimental data were analyzed with the Los Alamos model for the incident neutron energies of 1-8 MeV. A CEA multiple-foil fission chamber containing deposits of 100 mg U235 and 90 mg Pu239 detected fission events. Outgoing neutrons were detected by the Fast Neutron-Induced γ-Ray Observer array of 20 liquid organic scintillators. A double time-of-flight technique was used to deduce the neutron incident energies from the spallation target and the outgoing energies from the fission chamber. These data were used for testing the Los Alamos model, and the total kinetic energy parameters were optimized to obtain a best fit to the data. The prompt fission neutron spectra were also compared with the Evaluated Nuclear Data File (ENDF/B-VII.0). We calculate average energies from both experimental and calculated fission neutron spectra.

D-D Neutron Generator Calibrations and Hardware in the LUX-ZEPLIN Dark Matter Search Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, Will; Lux-Zeplin Collaboration

2016-03-01

The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) dark matter search experiment will be a two-phase liquid/gas xenon time projection chamber with 7 tonnes of active liquid xenon (LXe) located at the 4850 ft level of the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, SD. LZ will utilize an in-situ, absolute calibration of nuclear recoils (NR) in LXe using mono-energetic 2.45 MeV neutrons produced by a D-D neutron generator. This technique was used in the LUX detector to measured the NR charge yield in LXe (Qy) to 0.7 keV recoil energy and the NR light yield in LXe (Ly) to recoil energies of 1.1 keV - both of which were the lowest energy measurements achieved in the field. These absolute, ultra-low energy calibrations of the NR signal yields in LXe provide clear measurements of the detector response used for the WIMP search analysis. The improvements made for LZ will include shorter neutron pulse times, multiple neutron conduit configurations, and lower energy neutrons. The upgrades allow for even lower energy measurements of the nuclear recoil response in LXe and an independent measurement of Ly, as well as providing less uncertainty in energy reconstruction. In addition to discussing the physics of the neutron calibrations, I will describe the hardware systems used to implement them.

A compact neutron spectrometer for characterizing inertial confinement fusion implosions at OMEGA and the NIF.

PubMed

Zylstra, A B; Gatu Johnson, M; Frenje, J A; Séguin, F H; Rinderknecht, H G; Rosenberg, M J; Sio, H W; Li, C K; Petrasso, R D; McCluskey, M; Mastrosimone, D; Glebov, V Yu; Forrest, C; Stoeckl, C; Sangster, T C

2014-06-01

A compact spectrometer for measurements of the primary deuterium-tritium neutron spectrum has been designed and implemented on the OMEGA laser facility [T. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)]. This instrument uses the recoil spectrometry technique, where neutrons produced in an implosion elastically scatter protons in a plastic foil, which are subsequently detected by a proton spectrometer. This diagnostic is currently capable of measuring the yield to ~±10% accuracy, and mean neutron energy to ~±50 keV precision. As these compact spectrometers can be readily placed at several locations around an implosion, effects of residual fuel bulk flows during burn can be measured. Future improvements to reduce the neutron energy uncertainty to ±15-20 keV are discussed, which will enable measurements of fuel velocities to an accuracy of ~±25-40 km/s.

A compact neutron spectrometer for characterizing inertial confinement fusion implosions at OMEGA and the NIF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zylstra, A. B.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Frenje, J. A.; Séguin, F. H.; Rinderknecht, H. G.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Sio, H. W.; Li, C. K.; Petrasso, R. D.; McCluskey, M.; Mastrosimone, D.; Glebov, V. Yu.; Forrest, C.; Stoeckl, C.; Sangster, T. C.

2014-06-01

A compact spectrometer for measurements of the primary deuterium-tritium neutron spectrum has been designed and implemented on the OMEGA laser facility [T. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)]. This instrument uses the recoil spectrometry technique, where neutrons produced in an implosion elastically scatter protons in a plastic foil, which are subsequently detected by a proton spectrometer. This diagnostic is currently capable of measuring the yield to ˜±10% accuracy, and mean neutron energy to ˜±50 keV precision. As these compact spectrometers can be readily placed at several locations around an implosion, effects of residual fuel bulk flows during burn can be measured. Future improvements to reduce the neutron energy uncertainty to ±15-20 keV are discussed, which will enable measurements of fuel velocities to an accuracy of ˜±25-40 km/s.

Neutron-induced reaction cross-sections of 93Nb with fast neutron based on 9Be(p,n) reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naik, H.; Kim, G. N.; Kim, K.; Zaman, M.; Nadeem, M.; Sahid, M.

2018-02-01

The cross-sections of the 93Nb (n , 2 n)92mNb, 93Nb (n , 3 n)91mNb and 93Nb (n , 4 n)90Nb reactions with the average neutron energies of 14.4 to 34.0 MeV have been determined by using an activation and off-line γ-ray spectrometric technique. The fast neutrons were produced using the 9Be (p , n) reaction with the proton energies of 25-, 35- and 45-MeV from the MC-50 Cyclotron at the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS). The neutron flux-weighted average cross-sections of the 93Nb(n , xn ; x = 2- 4) reactions were also obtained from the mono-energetic neutron-induced reaction cross-sections of 93Nb calculated using the TALYS 1.8 code, and the neutron flux spectrum based on the MCNPX 2.6.0 code. The present results for the 93Nb(n , xn ; x = 2- 4) reactions are compared with the calculated neutron flux-weighted average values and found to be in good agreement.

Neutron capture cross section measurement of 151Sm at the CERN neutron time of flight facility (n_TOF).

PubMed

Abbondanno, U; Aerts, G; Alvarez-Velarde, F; Alvarez-Pol, H; Andriamonje, S; Andrzejewski, J; Badurek, G; Baumann, P; Becvár, F; Benlliure, J; Berthoumieux, E; Calviño, F; Cano-Ott, D; Capote, R; Cennini, P; Chepel, V; Chiaveri, E; Colonna, N; Cortes, G; Cortina, D; Couture, A; Cox, J; Dababneh, S; Dahlfors, M; David, S; Dolfini, R; Domingo-Pardo, C; Duran, I; Embid-Segura, M; Ferrant, L; Ferrari, A; Ferreira-Marques, R; Frais-Koelbl, H; Furman, W; Goncalves, I; Gallino, R; Gonzalez-Romero, E; Goverdovski, A; Gramegna, F; Griesmayer, E; Gunsing, F; Haas, B; Haight, R; Heil, M; Herrera-Martinez, A; Isaev, S; Jericha, E; Käppeler, F; Kadi, Y; Karadimos, D; Kerveno, M; Ketlerov, V; Koehler, P; Konovalov, V; Krticka, M; Lamboudis, C; Leeb, H; Lindote, A; Lopes, I; Lozano, M; Lukic, S; Marganiec, J; Marrone, S; Martinez-Val, J; Mastinu, P; Mengoni, A; Milazzo, P M; Molina-Coballes, A; Moreau, C; Mosconi, M; Neves, F; Oberhummer, H; O'Brien, S; Pancin, J; Papaevangelou, T; Paradela, C; Pavlik, A; Pavlopoulos, P; Perlado, J M; Perrot, L; Pignatari, M; Plag, R; Plompen, A; Plukis, A; Poch, A; Policarpo, A; Pretel, C; Quesada, J; Raman, S; Rapp, W; Rauscher, T; Reifarth, R; Rosetti, M; Rubbia, C; Rudolf, G; Rullhusen, P; Salgado, J; Soares, J C; Stephan, C; Tagliente, G; Tain, J; Tassan-Got, L; Tavora, L; Terlizzi, R; Vannini, G; Vaz, P; Ventura, A; Villamarin, D; Vincente, M C; Vlachoudis, V; Voss, F; Wendler, H; Wiescher, M; Wisshak, K

2004-10-15

The151Sm(n,gamma)152Sm cross section has been measured at the spallation neutron facility n_TOF at CERN in the energy range from 1 eV to 1 MeV. The new facility combines excellent resolution in neutron time-of-flight, low repetition rates, and an unsurpassed instantaneous luminosity, resulting in rather favorable signal/background ratios. The 151Sm cross section is of importance for characterizing neutron capture nucleosynthesis in asymptotic giant branch stars. At a thermal energy of kT=30 keV the Maxwellian averaged cross section of this unstable isotope (t(1/2)=93 yr) was determined to be 3100+/-160 mb, significantly larger than theoretical predictions.

High-energy particle production in solar flares (SEP, gamma-ray and neutron emissions). [solar energetic particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chupp, E. L.

1987-01-01

Electrons and ions, over a wide range of energies, are produced in association with solar flares. Solar energetic particles (SEPs), observed in space and near earth, consist of electrons and ions that range in energy from 10 keV to about 100 MeV and from 1 MeV to 20 GeV, respectively. SEPs are directly recorded by charged particle detectors, while X-ray, gamma-ray, and neutron detectors indicate the properties of the accelerated particles (electrons and ions) which have interacted in the solar atmosphere. A major problem of solar physics is to understand the relationship between these two groups of charged particles; in particular whether they are accelerated by the same mechanism. The paper reviews the physics of gamma-rays and neutron production in the solar atmosphere and the method by which properties of the primary charged particles produced in the solar flare can be deduced. Recent observations of energetic photons and neutrons in space and at the earth are used to present a current picture of the properties of impulsively flare accelerated electrons and ions. Some important properties discussed are time scale of production, composition, energy spectra, accelerator geometry. Particular attention is given to energetic particle production in the large flare on June 3, 1982.

Use of the WNR spallation neutron source at LAMPF to determine the absolute efficiency of a neutron scintillation detector

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Staples, P.A.; Egan, J.J.; Kegel, G.H.R.

1994-06-01

Prompt fission neutron spectrum measurements at the University of Massachusetts Lowell 5.5 MV Van de Graaff accelerator laboratory require that the neutron detector efficiency be well known over a neutron energy range of 100 keV to 20 MeV. The efficiency of the detector, has been determined for energies greater than 5.0 MeV using the Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) white neutron source at the Los Alamos Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) in a pulsed beam, time-of-flight (TOF) experiment. Carbon matched polyethylene and graphite scatterers were used to obtain a hydrogen spectrum. The detector efficiency was determined using the well known H(n,n) scatteringmore » cross section. Results are compared to the detector efficiency calculation program SCINFUL available from the Radiation Shielding Information Center at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.« less

Martian Neutron Energy Spectrometer (MANES)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maurer, R. H.; Roth, D. R.; Kinnison, J. D.; Goldsten, J. O.; Fainchtein, R.; Badhwar, G.

2000-01-01

High energy charged particles of extragalactic, galactic, and solar origin collide with spacecraft structures and planetary atmospheres. These primaries create a number of secondary particles inside the structures or on the surfaces of planets to produce a significant radiation environment. This radiation is a threat to long term inhabitants and travelers for interplanetary missions and produces an increased risk of carcinogenesis, central nervous system (CNS) and DNA damage. Charged particles are readily detected; but, neutrons, being electrically neutral, are much more difficult to monitor. These secondary neutrons are reported to contribute 30-60% of the dose equivalent in the Shuttle and MIR station. The Martian atmosphere has an areal density of 37 g/sq cm primarily of carbon dioxide molecules. This shallow atmosphere presents fewer mean free paths to the bombarding cosmic rays and solar particles. The secondary neutrons present at the surface of Mars will have undergone fewer generations of collisions and have higher energies than at sea level on Earth. Albedo neutrons produced by collisions with the Martian surface material will also contribute to the radiation environment. The increased threat of radiation damage to humans on Mars occurs when neutrons of higher mean energy traverse the thin, dry Martian atmosphere and encounter water in the astronaut's body. Water, being hydrogeneous, efficiently moderates the high energy neutrons thereby slowing them as they penetrate deeply into the body. Consequently, greater radiation doses can be deposited in or near critical organs such as the liver or spleen than is the case on Earth. A second significant threat is the possibility of a high energy heavy ion or neutron causing a DNA double strand break in a single strike.

A balloon-borne instrument for high-resolution astrophysical spectroscopy in the 20-8000 keV energy range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paciesas, W. S.; Baker, R.; Boclet, D.; Brown, S.; Cline, T.; Costlow, H.; Durouchoux, P.; Ehrmann, C.; Gehrels, N.; Hameury, J. M.

1983-01-01

The Low Energy Gamma ray Spectrometer (LEGS) is designed to perform fine energy resolution measurements of astrophysical sources. The instrument is configured for a particular balloon flight with either of two sets of high purity germanium detectors. In one configuration, the instrument uses an array of three coaxial detectors (effective volume equal to or approximately 230 cubic cm) inside an NaI (T1) shield and collimator (field of view equal to or approximately 16 deg FWHM) and operates in the 80 to 8000 keV energy range. In the other configuration, three planar detectors (effective area equal to or approximately square cm) surrounded by a combination of passive Fe and active NaI for shielding and collimation (field of view equal to or approximately 5 deg x 10 deg FWHM) are optimized for the 20 to 200 keV energy range. In a typical one day balloon flight, LEGS sensitivity limit (3 sigma) for narrow line features is less than or approximately .0008 ph/cm/s square (coaxial array: 80 to 2000 keV) and less than or approximately .0003 ph/square cm/s (planar array: 50 to 150 keV).

Construction of monoenergetic neutron calibration fields using 45Sc(p, n)45Ti reaction at JAEA.

PubMed

Tanimura, Y; Saegusa, J; Shikaze, Y; Tsutsumi, M; Shimizu, S; Yoshizawa, M

2007-01-01

The 8 and 27 keV monoenergetic neutron calibration fields have been developed by using (45)Sc(p, n)(45)Ti reaction. Protons from a 4-MV Pelletron accelerator are used to bombard a thin scandium target evaporated onto a platinum disc. The proton energies are finely adjusted to the resonance to generate the 8 and 27 keV neutrons by applying a high voltage to the target assemblies. The neutron energies were measured using the time-of-flight method with a lithium glass scintillation detector. The neutron fluences at a calibration point located at 50 cm from the target were evaluated using Bonner spheres. A long counter was placed at 2.2 m from the target and at 60 degrees to the direction of the proton beam in order to monitor the fluence at the calibration point. Fluence and dose equivalent rates at the calibration point are sufficient to calibrate many types of the neutron survey metres.

Neutron energy spectrum influence on irradiation hardening and microstructural development of tungsten

DOE PAGES

Fukuda, Makoto; Kiran Kumar, N. A. P.; Koyanagi, Takaaki; ...

2016-07-02

We performed a neutron irradiation to single crystal pure tungsten in the mixed spectrum High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). In order to investigate the influences of neutron energy spectrum, the microstructure and irradiation hardening were compared with previous data obtained from the irradiation campaigns in the mixed spectrum Japan Material Testing Reactor (JMTR) and the sodium-cooled fast reactor Joyo. The irradiation temperatures were in the range of ~90–~800 °C and fast neutron fluences were 0.02–9.00 × 10 25 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV). Post irradiation evaluation included Vickers hardness measurements and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the hardness and microstructuremore » changes exhibited a clear dependence on the neutron energy spectrum. The hardness appeared to increase with increasing thermal neutron flux when fast fluence exceeds 1 × 10 25 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV). Finally, irradiation induced precipitates considered to be χ- and σ-phases were observed in samples irradiated to >1 × 10 25 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV), which were pronounced at high dose and due to the very high thermal neutron flux of HFIR. Although the irradiation hardening mainly caused by defects clusters in a low dose regime, the transmutation-induced precipitation appeared to impose additional significant hardening of the tungsten.« less

Neutron energy spectrum influence on irradiation hardening and microstructural development of tungsten

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fukuda, Makoto; Kiran Kumar, N. A. P.; Koyanagi, Takaaki

We performed a neutron irradiation to single crystal pure tungsten in the mixed spectrum High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). In order to investigate the influences of neutron energy spectrum, the microstructure and irradiation hardening were compared with previous data obtained from the irradiation campaigns in the mixed spectrum Japan Material Testing Reactor (JMTR) and the sodium-cooled fast reactor Joyo. The irradiation temperatures were in the range of ~90–~800 °C and fast neutron fluences were 0.02–9.00 × 10 25 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV). Post irradiation evaluation included Vickers hardness measurements and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, the hardness and microstructuremore » changes exhibited a clear dependence on the neutron energy spectrum. The hardness appeared to increase with increasing thermal neutron flux when fast fluence exceeds 1 × 10 25 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV). Finally, irradiation induced precipitates considered to be χ- and σ-phases were observed in samples irradiated to >1 × 10 25 n/m 2 (E > 0.1 MeV), which were pronounced at high dose and due to the very high thermal neutron flux of HFIR. Although the irradiation hardening mainly caused by defects clusters in a low dose regime, the transmutation-induced precipitation appeared to impose additional significant hardening of the tungsten.« less

Neutron-decay Protons from Solar Flares as Seed Particles for CME-shock Acceleration in the Inner Heliosphere

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphy, Ronald J.; Ko, Yuan-Kuen, E-mail: ronald.murphy@nrl.navy.mil, E-mail: yuan-kuen.ko@nrl.navy.mil

The protons in large solar energetic particle events are accelerated in the inner heliosphere by fast shocks produced by coronal mass ejections. Unless there are other sources, the protons these shocks act upon would be those of the solar wind (SW). The efficiency of the acceleration depends on the kinetic energy of the protons. For a 2000 km s{sup −1} shock, the most effective proton energies would be 30–100 keV; i.e., within the suprathermal tail component of the SW. We investigate one possible additional source of such protons: those resulting from the decay of solar-flare-produced neutrons that escape from themore » Sun into the low corona. The neutrons are produced by interactions of flare-accelerated ions with the solar atmosphere. We discuss the production of low-energy neutrons in flares and their decay on a interplanetary magnetic field line near the Sun. We find that even when the flaring conditions are optimal, the 30–100 keV neutron-decay proton density produced by even a very large solar flare would be only about 10% of that of the 30–100 keV SW suprathermal tail. We discuss the implication of a seed-particle source of more frequent, small flares.« less

Observation of Gravitationally Induced Vertical Striation of Polarized Ultracold Neutrons by Spin-Echo Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afach, S.; Ayres, N. J.; Ban, G.; Bison, G.; Bodek, K.; Chowdhuri, Z.; Daum, M.; Fertl, M.; Franke, B.; Griffith, W. C.; Grujić, Z. D.; Harris, P. G.; Heil, W.; Hélaine, V.; Kasprzak, M.; Kermaidic, Y.; Kirch, K.; Knowles, P.; Koch, H.-C.; Komposch, S.; Kozela, A.; Krempel, J.; Lauss, B.; Lefort, T.; Lemière, Y.; Mtchedlishvili, A.; Musgrave, M.; Naviliat-Cuncic, O.; Pendlebury, J. M.; Piegsa, F. M.; Pignol, G.; Plonka-Spehr, C.; Prashanth, P. N.; Quéméner, G.; Rawlik, M.; Rebreyend, D.; Ries, D.; Roccia, S.; Rozpedzik, D.; Schmidt-Wellenburg, P.; Severijns, N.; Thorne, J. A.; Weis, A.; Wursten, E.; Wyszynski, G.; Zejma, J.; Zenner, J.; Zsigmond, G.

2015-10-01

We describe a spin-echo method for ultracold neutrons (UCNs) confined in a precession chamber and exposed to a |B0|=1 μ T magnetic field. We have demonstrated that the analysis of UCN spin-echo resonance signals in combination with knowledge of the ambient magnetic field provides an excellent method by which to reconstruct the energy spectrum of a confined ensemble of neutrons. The method takes advantage of the relative dephasing of spins arising from a gravitationally induced striation of stored UCNs of different energies, and also permits an improved determination of the vertical magnetic-field gradient with an exceptional accuracy of 1.1 pT /cm . This novel combination of a well-known nuclear resonance method and gravitationally induced vertical striation is unique in the realm of nuclear and particle physics and should prove to be invaluable for the assessment of systematic effects in precision experiments such as searches for an electric dipole moment of the neutron or the measurement of the neutron lifetime.

Investigation of neutron interactions with Ge detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baginova, Miloslava; Vojtyla, Pavol; Povinec, Pavel P.

2018-07-01

Interactions of neutrons with a high-purity germanium detector were studied experimentally and by simulations using the GEANT4 tool. Elastic and inelastic scattering of fast neutrons as well as neutron capture on Ge nuclei were observed. Peaks induced by inelastic scattering of neutrons on 70Ge, 72Ge, 73Ge, 74Ge and 76Ge were well visible in the γ-ray spectra. In addition, peaks due to inelastic scattering of neutrons on copper and lead nuclei, including the well-known peak of 208Pb at 2614.51 keV, were detected. The GEANT4 simulations showed that the simulated spectrum was in a good agreement with the experimental one. Differences between the simulated and the measured spectra were due to the high γ-ray intensity of the used neutron source, physics implemented in GEANT4 and contamination of the neutron source.

A novel laser-collider used to produce monoenergetic 13.3 MeV 7Li (d, n) neutrons

PubMed Central

Zhao, J. R.; Zhang, X. P.; Yuan, D. W.; Li, Y. T.; Li, D. Z.; Rhee, Y. J.; Zhang, Z.; Li, F.; Zhu, B. J.; Li, Yan F.; Han, B.; Liu, C.; Ma, Y.; Li, Yi F.; Tao, M. Z.; Li, M. H.; Guo, X.; Huang, X. G.; Fu, S. Z.; Zhu, J. Q.; Zhao, G.; Chen, L. M.; Fu, C. B.; Zhang, J.

2016-01-01

Neutron energy is directly correlated with the energy of the incident ions in experiments involving laser-driven nuclear reactions. Using high-energy incident ions reduces the energy concentration of the generated neutrons. A novel “laser-collider” method was used at the Shenguang II laser facility to produce monoenergetic neutrons via 7Li (d, n) nuclear reactions. The specially designed K-shaped target significantly increased the numbers of incident d and Li ions at the keV level. Ultimately, 13.3 MeV neutrons were obtained. Considering the time resolution of the neutron detector, we demonstrated that the produced neutrons were monoenergetic. Interferometry and a Multi hydro-dynamics simulation confirmed the monoenergetic nature of these neutrons. PMID:27250660

Interference effect between neutron direct and resonance capture reactions for neutron-rich nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minato, Futoshi; Fukui, Tokuro

2017-11-01

Interference effect of neutron capture cross section between the compound and direct processes is investigated. The compound process is calculated by resonance parameters and the direct process by the potential model. The interference effect is tested for neutron-rich 82Ge and 134Sn nuclei relevant to r-process and light nucleus 13C which is neutron poison in the s-process and produces long-lived radioactive nucleus 14C (T1/2 = 5700 y). The interference effects in those nuclei are significant around resonances, and low energy region if s-wave neutron direct capture is possible. Maxwellian averaged cross sections at kT = 30 and 300 keV are also calculated, and the interference effect changes the Maxwellian averaged capture cross section largely depending on resonance position.

Low energy recoil detection with a spherical proportional counter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savvidis, I.; Katsioulas, I.; Eleftheriadis, C.; Giomataris, I.; Papaevangellou, T.

2018-01-01

We present results for the detection of low energy nuclear recoils in the keV energy region, from measurements performed with the Spherical Proportional Counter (SPC). An 241Am-9Be fast neutron source is used in order to obtain neutron-nucleus elastic scattering events inside the gaseous volume of the detector. The detector performance in the keV energy region was measured by observing the 5.9 keV line of a 55Fe X-ray source, with energy resolution of 10% (σ). The toolkit GEANT4 was used to simulate the irradiation of the detector by an 241Am-9Be source, while SRIM was used to calculate the Ionization Quenching Factor (IQF), the simulation results are compared with the measurements. The potential of the SPC in low energy recoil detection makes the detector a good candidate for a wide range of applications, including Supernova or reactor neutrino detection and Dark Matter (WIMP) searches (via coherent elastic scattering).

Applications of “Tender” Energy (1-5 keV) X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy in Life Sciences

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Northrup, Paul; Leri, Alessandra; Tappero, Ryan

The “tender” energy range of 1 to 5 keV, between the energy ranges of most “hard” (>5 keV) and “soft” (<1 keV) synchrotron X-ray facilities, offers some unique opportunities for synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy in life sciences. In particular the K absorption edges of Na through Ca offer opportunities to study local structure, speciation, and chemistry of many important biological compounds, structures and processes. This is an area of largely untapped science, in part due to a scarcity of optimized facilities. Such measurements also entail unique experimental challenges. Lastly, this brief review describes the technique, its experimental challenges,more » recent progress in development of microbeam measurement capabilities, and several highlights illustrating applications in life sciences.« less

Applications of “Tender” Energy (1-5 keV) X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy in Life Sciences

DOE PAGES

Northrup, Paul; Leri, Alessandra; Tappero, Ryan

2016-02-15

The “tender” energy range of 1 to 5 keV, between the energy ranges of most “hard” (>5 keV) and “soft” (<1 keV) synchrotron X-ray facilities, offers some unique opportunities for synchrotron-based X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy in life sciences. In particular the K absorption edges of Na through Ca offer opportunities to study local structure, speciation, and chemistry of many important biological compounds, structures and processes. This is an area of largely untapped science, in part due to a scarcity of optimized facilities. Such measurements also entail unique experimental challenges. Lastly, this brief review describes the technique, its experimental challenges,more » recent progress in development of microbeam measurement capabilities, and several highlights illustrating applications in life sciences.« less

METHOD OF INITIATING AND SUSTAINING AN ENERGETIC PLASMA FOR NEUTRON PRODUCTION

DOEpatents

Bell, P.R.; Mackin, R.J. Jr.; Simon, A.

1961-08-22

A method for producing an energetic plasma for neutron production and for faeling this plasma once it is formed is described. The plasma is initially fonmed as set forth in U. S. Patent No. 2,969,308. After the plasma is formed, cold neutral particles with an energy of at least 1 Kev are injected in a radial directinn and transverse to the axis of the device. These cold particles are substituted for the molecular ion injection and are used for fueling the plasma device on a continuous regulated basis in order to maintain a reaction temperature of about 60 Kev for producing neutrons. (AE C)

Nuclear-Recoil Energy Scale in CDMS II Silicon Dark-Matter Detectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agnese, R.; et al.

The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS II) experiment aims to detect dark matter particles that elastically scatter from nuclei in semiconductor detectors. The resulting nuclear-recoil energy depositions are detected by ionization and phonon sensors. Neutrons produce a similar spectrum of low-energy nuclear recoils in such detectors, while most other backgrounds produce electron recoils. The absolute energy scale for nuclear recoils is necessary to interpret results correctly. The energy scale can be determined in CDMS II silicon detectors using neutrons incident from a broad-spectrummore » $$^{252}$$Cf source, taking advantage of a prominent resonance in the neutron elastic scattering cross section of silicon at a recoil (neutron) energy near 20 (182) keV. Results indicate that the phonon collection efficiency for nuclear recoils is $$4.8^{+0.7}_{-0.9}$$% lower than for electron recoils of the same energy. Comparisons of the ionization signals for nuclear recoils to those measured previously by other groups at higher electric fields indicate that the ionization collection efficiency for CDMS II silicon detectors operated at $$\\sim$$4 V/cm is consistent with 100% for nuclear recoils below 20 keV and gradually decreases for larger energies to $$\\sim$$75% at 100 keV. The impact of these measurements on previously published CDMS II silicon results is small.« less

Producing Mono-energetic Neutrons for Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jepeal, Steven

2014-09-01

Free neutrons are seldom produced in nature and are unstable, decaying back to protons with a mean life of 881s. The only natural sources are spontaneous fission of actinides and cosmic ray interactions, both of which are rare processes. The detection of neutrons indicates unusual nuclear activity, allowing neutron detection the roll of the ``smoking gun'' for seeking potential nuclear terrorism. Recently, there has been a push for the development of new neutron detectors, ideally sufficiently inexpensive that a detector can be carried by all first responders such as police and fire fighters. One promising new material is the inorganic scintillator CLYC, a crystal of chlorine, lithium, yttrium and cesium. CLYC has a high energy resolution not only for gamma rays, but also for fast neutrons. At the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, CLYC is being developed in collaboration with local industrial companies. To evaluate its response to neutrons, in to 500 keV to 4 MeV energy range, the CN Van de Graaff generator is used to produce neutrons, via the 7Li(p,n)7Be reaction. However, the important energy regime of 4--10 MeV is currently inaccessible. This current project is to build a gas-cell target to enable the D(d,n)3He reaction and produce neutrons of energy up to 9 MeV, an approach that has been used successfully at the University of Kentucky. The project involves some mechanical engineering management, then chamber construction, vacuum testing, developing thin window technology, and finally commissioning of the gas cell using accelerated beams. The commissioning will be physics rich in quantifying the flux and energy resolution of the neutron beam produced. Free neutrons are seldom produced in nature and are unstable, decaying back to protons with a mean life of 881s. The only natural sources are spontaneous fission of actinides and cosmic ray interactions, both of which are rare processes. The detection of neutrons indicates unusual nuclear activity, allowing

Upgrade of the compact neutron spectrometer for high flux environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osipenko, M.; Bellucci, A.; Ceriale, V.; Corsini, D.; Gariano, G.; Gatti, F.; Girolami, M.; Minutoli, S.; Panza, F.; Pillon, M.; Ripani, M.; Trucchi, D. M.

2018-03-01

In this paper new version of the 6Li-based neutron spectrometer for high flux environments is described. The new spectrometer was built with commercial single crystal Chemical Vapour Deposition diamonds of electronic grade. These crystals feature better charge collection as well as higher radiation hardness. New metal contacts approaching ohmic conditions were deposited on the diamonds suppressing build-up of space charge observed in the previous prototypes. New passive preamplification of the signal at detector side was implemented to improve its resolution. This preamplification is based on the RF transformer not sensitive to high neutron flux. The compact mechanical design allowed to reduce detector size to a tube of 1 cm diameter and 13 cm long. The spectrometer was tested in the thermal column of TRIGA reactor and at the DD neutron generator. The test results indicate an energy resolution of 300 keV (FWHM), reduced to 72 keV (RMS) excluding energy loss, and coincidence timing resolution of 160 ps (FWHM). The measured data are in agreement with Geant4 simulations except for larger energy loss tail presumably related to imperfections of metal contacts and glue expansion.

Neutrons in proton pencil beam scanning: parameterization of energy, quality factors and RBE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Uwe; Hälg, Roger A.; Baiocco, Giorgio; Lomax, Tony

2016-08-01

The biological effectiveness of neutrons produced during proton therapy in inducing cancer is unknown, but potentially large. In particular, since neutron biological effectiveness is energy dependent, it is necessary to estimate, besides the dose, also the energy spectra, in order to obtain quantities which could be a measure of the biological effectiveness and test current models and new approaches against epidemiological studies on cancer induction after proton therapy. For patients treated with proton pencil beam scanning, this work aims to predict the spatially localized neutron energies, the effective quality factor, the weighting factor according to ICRP, and two RBE values, the first obtained from the saturation corrected dose mean lineal energy and the second from DSB cluster induction. A proton pencil beam was Monte Carlo simulated using GEANT. Based on the simulated neutron spectra for three different proton beam energies a parameterization of energy, quality factors and RBE was calculated. The pencil beam algorithm used for treatment planning at PSI has been extended using the developed parameterizations in order to calculate the spatially localized neutron energy, quality factors and RBE for each treated patient. The parameterization represents the simple quantification of neutron energy in two energy bins and the quality factors and RBE with a satisfying precision up to 85 cm away from the proton pencil beam when compared to the results based on 3D Monte Carlo simulations. The root mean square error of the energy estimate between Monte Carlo simulation based results and the parameterization is 3.9%. For the quality factors and RBE estimates it is smaller than 0.9%. The model was successfully integrated into the PSI treatment planning system. It was found that the parameterizations for neutron energy, quality factors and RBE were independent of proton energy in the investigated energy range of interest for proton therapy. The pencil beam algorithm has

Neutrons in proton pencil beam scanning: parameterization of energy, quality factors and RBE.

PubMed

Schneider, Uwe; Hälg, Roger A; Baiocco, Giorgio; Lomax, Tony

2016-08-21

The biological effectiveness of neutrons produced during proton therapy in inducing cancer is unknown, but potentially large. In particular, since neutron biological effectiveness is energy dependent, it is necessary to estimate, besides the dose, also the energy spectra, in order to obtain quantities which could be a measure of the biological effectiveness and test current models and new approaches against epidemiological studies on cancer induction after proton therapy. For patients treated with proton pencil beam scanning, this work aims to predict the spatially localized neutron energies, the effective quality factor, the weighting factor according to ICRP, and two RBE values, the first obtained from the saturation corrected dose mean lineal energy and the second from DSB cluster induction. A proton pencil beam was Monte Carlo simulated using GEANT. Based on the simulated neutron spectra for three different proton beam energies a parameterization of energy, quality factors and RBE was calculated. The pencil beam algorithm used for treatment planning at PSI has been extended using the developed parameterizations in order to calculate the spatially localized neutron energy, quality factors and RBE for each treated patient. The parameterization represents the simple quantification of neutron energy in two energy bins and the quality factors and RBE with a satisfying precision up to 85 cm away from the proton pencil beam when compared to the results based on 3D Monte Carlo simulations. The root mean square error of the energy estimate between Monte Carlo simulation based results and the parameterization is 3.9%. For the quality factors and RBE estimates it is smaller than 0.9%. The model was successfully integrated into the PSI treatment planning system. It was found that the parameterizations for neutron energy, quality factors and RBE were independent of proton energy in the investigated energy range of interest for proton therapy. The pencil beam algorithm has

Optimal moderator materials at various proton energies considering photon dose rate after irradiation for an accelerator-driven ⁹Be(p, n) boron neutron capture therapy neutron source.

PubMed

Hashimoto, Y; Hiraga, F; Kiyanagi, Y

2015-12-01

We evaluated the accelerator beam power and the neutron-induced radioactivity of (9)Be(p, n) boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) neutron sources having a MgF2, CaF2, or AlF3 moderator and driven by protons with energy from 8 MeV to 30 MeV. The optimal moderator materials were found to be MgF2 for proton energies less than 10 MeV because of lower required accelerator beam power and CaF2 for higher proton energies because of lower photon dose rate at the treatment position after neutron irradiation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

X-Ray Measurements Of A Thermo Scientific P385 DD Neutron Generator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wharton, C. J.; Seabury, E. H.; Chichester, D. L.; Caffrey, A. J.; Simpson, J.; Lemchak, M.

2011-06-01

Idaho National Laboratory is experimenting with electrical neutron generators, as potential replacements for californium-252 radioisotopic neutron sources in its PINS prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) system for the identification of military chemical warfare agents and explosives. In addition to neutron output, we have recently measured the x-ray output of the Thermo Scientific P385 deuterium-deuterium neutron generator. X rays are a normal byproduct from neutron generators, but depending on their intensity and energy, x rays can interfere with gamma rays from the object under test, increase gamma-spectrometer dead time, and reduce PGNAA system throughput. The P385 x-ray energy spectrum was measured with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector, and a broad peak is evident at about 70 keV. To identify the source of the x rays within the neutron generator assembly, it was scanned by collimated scintillation detectors along its long axis. At the strongest x-ray emission points, the generator also was rotated 60° between measurements. The scans show the primary source of x-ray emission from the P385 neutron generator is an area 60 mm from the neutron production target, in the vicinity of the ion source. Rotation of the neutron generator did not significantly alter the x-ray count rate, and its x-ray emission appears to be axially symmetric. A thin lead shield, 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) thick, reduced the 70-keV generator x rays to negligible levels.

A novel fast-neutron detector concept for energy-selective imaging and imaging spectroscopy.

PubMed

Cortesi, M; Dangendorf, V; Zboray, R; Prasser, H-M

2014-07-01

We present and discuss the operational principle of a new fast-neutron detector concept suitable for either energy-selective imaging or for imaging spectroscopy. The detector is comprised of a series of energy-selective stacks of converter foils immersed in a noble-gas based mixture, coupled to a position-sensitive charge readout. Each foil in the various stacks is made of two layers of different thicknesses, fastened together: a hydrogen-rich (plastic) layer for neutron-to-proton conversion, and a hydrogen-free coating to selectively stop/absorb the recoil protons below a certain energy cut-off. The neutron-induced recoil protons, that escape the converter foils, release ionization electrons in the gas gaps between consecutive foils. The electrons are then drifted towards and localized by a position-sensitive charge amplification and readout stage. Comparison of the images detected by stacks with different energy cut-offs allows energy-selective imaging. Neutron energy spectrometry is realized by analyzing the responses of a sufficient large number of stacks of different energy response and unfolding techniques. In this paper, we present the results of computer simulation studies and discuss the expected performance of the new detector concept. Potential applications in various fields are also briefly discussed, in particularly, the application of energy-selective fast-neutron imaging for nuclear safeguards application, with the aim of determining the plutonium content in Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuels.

Radiative decay of neutron-unbound intruder states in 19O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dungan, R.; Tabor, S. L.; Tripathi, Vandana; Volya, A.; Kravvaris, K.; Abromeit, B.; Caussyn, D. D.; Morrow, S.; Parker, J. J.; Tai, P.-L.; VonMoss, J. M.

2016-02-01

The 9Be(14C, α γ ) reaction at EL a b=30 and 35 MeV was used to study excited states of 19O. The Florida State University (FSU) γ detector array was used to detect γ radiation in coincidence with charged particles detected and identified with a silicon Δ E -E particle telescope. γ decays have been observed for the first time from six states ranging from 368 to 2147 keV above the neutron separation energy (Sn=3962 keV) in 19O. The γ -decaying states are interspersed among states previously observed to decay by neutron emission. The ability of electromagnetic decay to compete successfully with neutron decay is explained in terms of neutron angular momentum barriers and small spectroscopic factors implying higher spin and complex structure for these intruder states. These results illustrate the need for complementary experimental approaches to best illuminate the complete nuclear structure.

Fast Neutron Detection using Pixelated CdZnTe Spectrometers

DOE PAGES

Streicher, Michael; Goodman, David; Zhu, Yuefeng; ...

2017-05-29

One important important signature of special nuclear materials (SNM) are fast neutrons. Fast neutrons have a low natural background rate and readily penetrate high atomic number materials which easily shield gamma-ray signatures. Thus, fast neutrons provide a complementary signal to gamma rays for detecting shielded SNM. Scattering kinematics dictate that a large nucleus (such as Cd or Te) will recoil with small kinetic energy after an elastic collision with a fast neutron. Charge carrier recombination and quenching further reduce the recorded energy deposited. Thus, the energy threshold of CdZnTe detectors must be very low in order to sense the smallmore » signals from these recoils. Here, the threshold was reduced to less than 5 keVee to demonstrate that the 5.9 keV x-ray line from 55Fe could be separated from electronic noise. Elastic scattering neutron interactions were observed as small energy depositions (less than 20 keVee) using digitally-sampled pulse waveforms from pixelated CdZnTe detectors. Characteristic gamma-ray lines from inelastic neutron scattering were also observed.« less

Neutron-Induced Fission Cross Section Measurements for Full Suite of Uranium Isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laptev, Alexander; Tovesson, Fredrik; Hill, Tony

2010-11-01

A well established program of neutron-induced fission cross section measurement at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) is supporting the Fuel Cycle Research program (FC R&D). The incident neutron energy range spans energies from sub-thermal energies up to 200 MeV by measuring both the Lujan Center and the Weapons Neutron Research center (WNR). Conventional parallel-plate fission ionization chambers with actinide deposited foils are used as a fission detector. The time-of-flight method is implemented to measure neutron energy. Counting rate ratio from investigated and standard U-235 foils is translated into fission cross section ratio. Different methods of normalization for measured ratio are employed, namely, using of actinide deposit thicknesses, normalization to evaluated data, etc. Finally, ratios are converted to cross sections based on the standard U-235 fission cross section data file. Preliminary data for newly investigated isotopes U-236 and U-234 will be reported. Those new data complete a full suite of Uranium isotopes, which were investigated with presented experimental approach. When analysis of the new measured data will is completed, data will be delivered to evaluators. Having data for full set of Uranium isotopes will increase theoretical modeling capabilities and make new data evaluations much more reliable.

Quantitative assessment of the cataractogenic potential of very low doses of neutrons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Worgul, B. V.; Medvedovsky, C.; Huang, Y.; Marino, S. A.; Randers-Pehrson, G.; Brenner, D. J.

1996-01-01

We report on the prevalence and relative biological effectiveness (RBE) for various stages of lens opacification in rats induced by very low doses (2 to 250 mGy) of medium-energy (440 keV) neutrons, compared to those for X rays. Neutron doses were delivered either in a single fraction or in four separate fractions and the irradiated animals were followed for over 100 weeks. At the highest observed dose (250 mGy) and at early observation times, there was evidence of an inverse dose-rate effect; i.e., a fractionated exposure was more potent than a single exposure. Neutron RBEs relative to X rays were estimated using a non-parametric technique. The results were only weakly dependent on time postirradiation. At 30 weeks, for example, 80% confidence intervals for the RBE of acutely delivered neutrons relative to X rays were 8-16 at 250 mGy, 10-20 at 50 mGy, 50-100 at 10 mGy and 250-500 at 2 mGy. The results are consistent with the estimated neutron RBEs in Japanese A-bomb survivors, though broad confidence bounds are present in the Japanese results. Our findings are also consistent with data reported earlier for cataractogenesis induced by heavy ions in rats, mice, and rabbits. We conclude from these results that, at very low doses (<10 mGy), the RBE for neutron-induced cataractogenesis is considerably larger than the RBE of 20 commonly used, and use of a significantly larger value for calculating equivalent dose would be prudent.

Zn-71 levels populated in neutron-capture-gamma reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huchison, Andrew; Harker, Jessica; Walters, William B.; Waite, Mark; Paul, Rick

2015-04-01

The level structure of 71 Zn was studied via the capture-gamma reaction on a highly-enriched 70 Zn target at the NIST Center for Neutron Research NG-7 beam line. The neutron separation energy was determined to be 5832.5(5) keV. Low-spin levels populated in this reaction will be presented, compared with data from other measurements, and discussed. This material is based on work supported by the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Science, Office of Nuclear Physics, under Grant No. DE-FG02-94ER40834.

A comparative study of inelastic scattering models at energy levels ranging from 0.5 keV to 10 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chia-Yu; Lin, Chun-Hung

2017-03-01

Six models, including a single-scattering model, four hybrid models, and one dielectric function model, were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations for aluminum and copper at incident beam energies ranging from 0.5 keV to 10 keV. The inelastic mean free path, mean energy loss per unit path length, and backscattering coefficients obtained by these models are compared and discussed to understand the merits of the various models. ANOVA (analysis of variance) statistical models were used to quantify the effects of inelastic cross section and energy loss models on the basis of the simulated results deviation from the experimental data for the inelastic mean free path, the mean energy loss per unit path length, and the backscattering coefficient, as well as their correlations. This work in this study is believed to be the first application of ANOVA models towards evaluating inelastic electron beam scattering models. This approach is an improvement over the traditional approach which involves only visual estimation of the difference between the experimental data and simulated results. The data suggests that the optimization of the effective electron number per atom, binding energy, and cut-off energy of an inelastic model for different materials at different beam energies is more important than the selection of inelastic models for Monte Carlo electron scattering simulation. During the simulations, parameters in the equations should be tuned according to different materials for different beam energies rather than merely employing default parameters for an arbitrary material. Energy loss models and cross-section formulas are not the main factors influencing energy loss. Comparison of the deviation of the simulated results from the experimental data shows a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the backscattering coefficient and energy loss per unit path length. The inclusion of backscattering electrons generated by both primary and secondary electrons for

Active-Interrogation Measurements of Induced-Fission Neutrons from Low-Enriched Uranium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

J. L. Dolan; M. J. Marcath; M. Flaska

2012-07-01

Protection and control of nuclear fuels is paramount for nuclear security and safeguards; therefore, it is important to develop fast and robust controlling mechanisms to ensure the safety of nuclear fuels. Through both passive- and active-interrogation methods we can use fast-neutron detection to perform real-time measurements of fission neutrons for process monitoring. Active interrogation allows us to use different ranges of incident neutron energy to probe for different isotopes of uranium. With fast-neutron detectors, such as organic liquid scintillation detectors, we can detect the induced-fission neutrons and photons and work towards quantifying a sample’s mass and enrichment. Using MCNPX-PoliMi, amore » system was designed to measure induced-fission neutrons from U-235 and U-238. Measurements were then performed in the summer of 2010 at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy. Fissions were induced with an associated particle D-T generator and an isotopic Am-Li source. The fission neutrons, as well as neutrons from (n, 2n) and (n, 3n) reactions, were measured with five 5” by 5” EJ-309 organic liquid scintillators. The D-T neutron generator was available as part of a measurement campaign in place by Padova University. The measurement and data-acquisition systems were developed at the University of Michigan utilizing a CAEN V1720 digitizer and pulse-shape discrimination algorithms to differentiate neutron and photon detections. Low-enriched uranium samples of varying mass and enrichment were interrogated. Acquired time-of-flight curves and cross-correlation curves are currently analyzed to draw relationships between detected neutrons and sample mass and enrichment. In the full paper, the promise of active-interrogation measurements and fast-neutron detection will be assessed through the example of this proof-of-concept measurement campaign. Additionally, MCNPX-PoliMi simulation results will be compared to the measured data to validate the MCNPX

Feeding of Rh and Ag isomers in fast-neutron-induced reactions

DOE PAGES

Fotiades, Nikolaos; Devlin, Matthew James; Nelson, Ronald Owen; ...

2016-10-17

In (n,n') reactions on stable Ir and Au isotopes in the mass A=190 region, the experimentally established feeding of the isomers relative to the feeding of the corresponding ground states increases with increasing neutron energy, up to the neutron energy where the (n,2n) reaction channel opens up, and then decreases. In order to check for similar behavior in the mass A=100 region, the feeding of isomers and ground states in fast-neutron-induced reactions on stable isotopes in this mass region was studied. This is of especial interest for Rh which can be used as a radiochemical detector. Here, excited states weremore » studied using the (n,n'γ), (n,2nγ), and (n,3nγ) reactions on 103Rh and 109Ag. A germanium detector array for γ-ray detection and the broad-spectrum pulsed neutron source of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's Weapons Neutron Research facility were used for the measurement. The energy of the incident neutrons was determined using the time-of-flight technique. Absolute partial γ-ray cross sections were measured for 57 transitions feeding isomers and ground states in 101,102,103Rh and 107,108,109Ag. The feeding of the isomers was found to be very similar in the corresponding reaction channels and it is compared to the feeding determined for the ground states. In conclusion, the opening of reaction channels at higher neutron energies removes angular momentum from the residual nucleus and reduces the population of the higher-spin isomers relative to the feeding of the lower-spin ground states. Similar behavior was observed in the mass A=190 region in the feeding of higher-spin isomers, but the reverse behavior was observed in 176Lu with a lower-spin isomer and a higher-spin ground state.« less

Feeding of Rh and Ag isomers in fast-neutron-induced reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fotiades, N.; Devlin, M.; Nelson, R. O.; Kawano, T.; Carroll, J. J.

2016-10-01

Background: In (n ,n' ) reactions on stable Ir and Au isotopes in the mass A =190 region, the experimentally established feeding of the isomers relative to the feeding of the corresponding ground states increases with increasing neutron energy, up to the neutron energy where the (n ,2 n ) reaction channel opens up, and then decreases. Purpose: In order to check for similar behavior in the mass A =100 region, the feeding of isomers and ground states in fast-neutron-induced reactions on stable isotopes in this mass region was studied. This is of especial interest for Rh which can be used as a radiochemical detector. Methods: Excited states were studied using the (n ,n'γ ), (n ,2 n γ ), and (n ,3 n γ ) reactions on 103Rh and 109Ag. A germanium detector array for γ -ray detection and the broad-spectrum pulsed neutron source of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's Weapons Neutron Research facility were used for the measurement. The energy of the incident neutrons was determined using the time-of-flight technique. Results: Absolute partial γ -ray cross sections were measured for 57 transitions feeding isomers and ground states in 101,102,103Rh and 107,108,109Ag. The feeding of the isomers was found to be very similar in the corresponding reaction channels and it is compared to the feeding determined for the ground states. Conclusions: The opening of reaction channels at higher neutron energies removes angular momentum from the residual nucleus and reduces the population of the higher-spin isomers relative to the feeding of the lower-spin ground states. Similar behavior was observed in the mass A =190 region in the feeding of higher-spin isomers, but the reverse behavior was observed in 176Lu with a lower-spin isomer and a higher-spin ground state.

Feeding of Rh and Ag isomers in fast-neutron-induced reactions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fotiades, Nikolaos; Devlin, Matthew James; Nelson, Ronald Owen

In (n,n') reactions on stable Ir and Au isotopes in the mass A=190 region, the experimentally established feeding of the isomers relative to the feeding of the corresponding ground states increases with increasing neutron energy, up to the neutron energy where the (n,2n) reaction channel opens up, and then decreases. In order to check for similar behavior in the mass A=100 region, the feeding of isomers and ground states in fast-neutron-induced reactions on stable isotopes in this mass region was studied. This is of especial interest for Rh which can be used as a radiochemical detector. Here, excited states weremore » studied using the (n,n'γ), (n,2nγ), and (n,3nγ) reactions on 103Rh and 109Ag. A germanium detector array for γ-ray detection and the broad-spectrum pulsed neutron source of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center's Weapons Neutron Research facility were used for the measurement. The energy of the incident neutrons was determined using the time-of-flight technique. Absolute partial γ-ray cross sections were measured for 57 transitions feeding isomers and ground states in 101,102,103Rh and 107,108,109Ag. The feeding of the isomers was found to be very similar in the corresponding reaction channels and it is compared to the feeding determined for the ground states. In conclusion, the opening of reaction channels at higher neutron energies removes angular momentum from the residual nucleus and reduces the population of the higher-spin isomers relative to the feeding of the lower-spin ground states. Similar behavior was observed in the mass A=190 region in the feeding of higher-spin isomers, but the reverse behavior was observed in 176Lu with a lower-spin isomer and a higher-spin ground state.« less

High-energy neutron depth-dose distribution experiment.

PubMed

Ferenci, M S; Hertel, N E

2003-01-01

A unique set of high-energy neutron depth-dose benchmark experiments were performed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center/Weapons Neutron Research (LANSCE/WNR) complex. The experiments consisted of filtered neutron beams with energies up to 800 MeV impinging on a 30 x 30 x 30 cm3 liquid, tissue-equivalent phantom. The absorbed dose was measured in the phantom at various depths with tissue-equivalent ion chambers. This experiment is intended to serve as a benchmark experiment for the testing of high-energy radiation transport codes for the international radiation protection community.

Stellar neutron capture cross sections of 41K and 45Sc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heil, M.; Plag, R.; Uberseder, E.; Bisterzo, S.; Käppeler, F.; Mengoni, A.; Pignatari, M.

2016-05-01

The neutron capture cross sections of light nuclei (A <56 ) are important for s -process scenarios since they act as neutron poisons. We report on measurements of the neutron capture cross sections of 41K and 45Sc, which were performed at the Karlsruhe 3.7 MV Van de Graaff accelerator via the activation method in a quasistellar neutron spectrum corresponding to a thermal energy of k T =25 keV. Systematic effects were controlled by repeated irradiations, resulting in overall uncertainties of less than 3%. The measured spectrum-averaged data have been used to normalize the energy-dependent (n ,γ ) cross sections from the main data libraries JEFF-3.2, JENDL-4.0, and ENDF/B-VII.1, and a set of Maxwellian averaged cross sections was calculated for improving the s -process nucleosynthesis yields in AGB stars and in massive stars. At k T =30 keV, the new Maxwellian averaged cross sections of 41K and 45Sc are 19.2 ±0.6 mb and 61.3 ±1.8 mb, respectively. Both values are 20% lower than previously recommended. The effect of neutron poisons is discussed for nuclei with A <56 in general and for the investigated isotopes in particular.

Studies on effective atomic numbers for photon energy absorption and electron density of some narcotic drugs in the energy range 1 keV-20 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gounhalli, Shivraj G.; Shantappa, Anil; Hanagodimath, S. M.

2013-04-01

Effective atomic numbers for photon energy absorption ZPEA,eff, photon interaction ZPI,eff and for electron density Nel, have been calculated by a direct method in the photon-energy region from 1 keV to 20 MeV for narcotic drugs, such as Heroin (H), Cocaine (CO), Caffeine (CA), Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), Cannabinol (CBD), Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). The ZPEA,eff, ZPI,eff and Nel values have been found to change with energy and composition of the narcotic drugs. The energy dependence ZPEA,eff, ZPI,eff and Nel is shown graphically. The maximum difference between the values of ZPEA,eff, and ZPI,eff occurs at 30 keV and the significant difference of 2 to 33% for the energy region 5-100 keV for all drugs. The reason for these differences is discussed.

Experimental approach to measure thick target neutron yields induced by heavy ions for shielding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trinh, N. D.; Fadil, M.; Lewitowicz, M.; Brouillard, C.; Clerc, T.; Damoy, S.; Desmezières, V.; Dessay, E.; Dupuis, M.; Grinyer, G. F.; Grinyer, J.; Jacquot, B.; Ledoux, X.; Madeline, A.; Menard, N.; Michel, M.; Morel, V.; Porée, F.; Rannou, B.; Savalle, A.

2017-09-01

Double differential (angular and energy) neutron distributions were measured using an activation foil technique. Reactions were induced by impinging two low-energy heavy-ion beams accelerated with the GANIL CSS1 cyclotron: (36S (12 MeV/u) and 208Pb (6.25 MeV/u)) onto thick natCu targets. Results have been compared to Monte-Carlo calculations from two codes (PHITS and FLUKA) for the purpose of benchmarking radiation protection and shielding requirements. This comparison suggests a disagreement between calculations and experiment, particularly for high-energy neutrons.

Neutron-Induced Fission Cross Sections of 240Pu, 243Am, and natW in the Energy Range 1-200 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laptev, A. B.; Donets, A. Yu.; Dushin, V. N.; Fomichev, A. V.; Fomichev, A. A.; Haight, R. C.; Shcherbakov, O. A.; Soloviev, S. M.; Tuboltsev, Yu. V.; Vorobyev, A. S.

2005-05-01

A long-range research program devoted to measurements of neutron-induced fission cross-sections of actinides and stable isotopes is under way at the GNEIS facility. By now the new series of experiments for measurements of fission cross-section ratios relative to 235U has been completed for 240Pu, 243Am, and natW in a wide energy range of incident neutrons from 1 MeV to 200 MeV in the frame of the ISTC Project ♯1971. The measurements were performed using the multiplate ionization chamber and time-of-flight techniques. The results obtained in this measurement are presented in comparison with the other data.

Material identification based upon energy-dependent attenuation of neutrons

DOEpatents

Marleau, Peter

2015-10-06

Various technologies pertaining to identifying a material in a sample and imaging the sample are described herein. The material is identified by computing energy-dependent attenuation of neutrons that is caused by presence of the sample in travel paths of the neutrons. A mono-energetic neutron generator emits the neutron, which is downscattered in energy by a first detector unit. The neutron exits the first detector unit and is detected by a second detector unit subsequent to passing through the sample. Energy-dependent attenuation of neutrons passing through the sample is computed based upon a computed energy of the neutron, wherein such energy can be computed based upon 1) known positions of the neutron generator, the first detector unit, and the second detector unit; or 2) computed time of flight of neutrons between the first detector unit and the second detector unit.

Thermal neutron capture cross section for 56Fe(n ,γ )

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Firestone, R. B.; Belgya, T.; Krtička, M.; Bečvář, F.; Szentmikloṡi, L.; Tomandl, I.

2017-01-01

The 56Fe(n ,γ ) thermal neutron capture cross section and the 57Fe level scheme populated by this reaction have been investigated in this work. Singles γ -ray spectra were measured with an isotopically enriched 56Fe target using the guided cold neutron beam at the Budapest Reactor, and γ γ -coincidence data were measured with a natural Fe target at the LWR-15 research reactor in Řež, Czech Republic. A detailed level scheme consisting of 448 γ rays populating/depopulating 97 levels and the capture state in 57Fe has been constructed, and ≈99 % of the total transition intensity has been placed. The transition probability of the 352-keV γ ray was determined to be Pγ(352 ) =11.90 ±0.07 per 100 neutron captures. The 57Fe level scheme is substantially revised from earlier work and ≈33 previously assigned levels could not be confirmed while a comparable number of new levels were added. The 57Feγ -ray cross sections were internally calibrated with respect to 1H and 32Sγ -ray cross section standards using iron(III) acetylacetonate (C15H21FeO6) and iron pyrite (FeS2) targets. The thermal neutron cross section for production of the 352-keV γ -ray cross section was determined to be σγ(352 ) =0.2849 ±0.015 b. The total 56Fe(n ,γ ) thermal radiative neutron cross section is derived from the 352-keV γ -ray cross section and transition probability as σ0=2.394 ±0.019 b. A least-squares fit of the γ rays to the level scheme gives the 57Fe neutron separation energy Sn=7646.183 ±0.018 keV.

Epithermal neutron beams from the 7 Li(p,n) reaction near the threshold for neutron capture therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Porras, I.; Praena, J.; Arias de Saavedra, F.; Pedrosa, M.; Esquinas, P.; L. Jiménez-Bonilla, P.

2016-11-01

Two applications for neutron capture therapy of epithermal neutron beams calculated from the 7Li ( p , n reaction are discussed. In particular, i) for a proton beam of 1920 keV of a 30 mA, a neutron beam of adequate features for BNCT is found at an angle of 80° from the forward direction; and ii) for a proton beam of 1910 keV, a neutron beam is obtained at the forward direction suitable for performing radiobiology experiments for the determination of the biological weighting factors of the fast dose component in neutron capture therapy.

High yield antibiotic producing mutants of Streptomyces erythreus induced by low energy ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Chen; Zhixin, Lin; Zuyao, Zou; Feng, Zhang; Duo, Liu; Xianghuai, Liu; Jianzhong, Tang; Weimin, Zhu; Bo, Huang

1998-05-01

Conidia of Streptomyces erythreus, an industrial microbe, were implanted by nitrogen ions with energy of 40-60 keV and fluence from 1 × 10 11 to 5 × 10 14 ions/cm 2. The logarithm value of survival fraction had good linear relationship with the logarithm value of fluence. Some mutants with a high yield of erythromycin were induced by ion implantation. The yield increment was correlated with the implantation fluence. Compared with the mutation results induced by ultraviolet rays, mutation effects of ion implantation were obvious having higher increasing erythromycin potency and wider mutation spectrum. The spores of Bacillus subtilis were implanted by arsenic ions with energy of 100 keV. The distribution of implanted ions was measured by Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) and calculated in theory. The mechanism of mutation induced by ion implantation was discussed.

Observation of Gravitationally Induced Vertical Striation of Polarized Ultracold Neutrons by Spin-Echo Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Afach, S; Ayres, N J; Ban, G; Bison, G; Bodek, K; Chowdhuri, Z; Daum, M; Fertl, M; Franke, B; Griffith, W C; Grujić, Z D; Harris, P G; Heil, W; Hélaine, V; Kasprzak, M; Kermaidic, Y; Kirch, K; Knowles, P; Koch, H-C; Komposch, S; Kozela, A; Krempel, J; Lauss, B; Lefort, T; Lemière, Y; Mtchedlishvili, A; Musgrave, M; Naviliat-Cuncic, O; Pendlebury, J M; Piegsa, F M; Pignol, G; Plonka-Spehr, C; Prashanth, P N; Quéméner, G; Rawlik, M; Rebreyend, D; Ries, D; Roccia, S; Rozpedzik, D; Schmidt-Wellenburg, P; Severijns, N; Thorne, J A; Weis, A; Wursten, E; Wyszynski, G; Zejma, J; Zenner, J; Zsigmond, G

2015-10-16

We describe a spin-echo method for ultracold neutrons (UCNs) confined in a precession chamber and exposed to a |B0|=1  μT magnetic field. We have demonstrated that the analysis of UCN spin-echo resonance signals in combination with knowledge of the ambient magnetic field provides an excellent method by which to reconstruct the energy spectrum of a confined ensemble of neutrons. The method takes advantage of the relative dephasing of spins arising from a gravitationally induced striation of stored UCNs of different energies, and also permits an improved determination of the vertical magnetic-field gradient with an exceptional accuracy of 1.1  pT/cm. This novel combination of a well-known nuclear resonance method and gravitationally induced vertical striation is unique in the realm of nuclear and particle physics and should prove to be invaluable for the assessment of systematic effects in precision experiments such as searches for an electric dipole moment of the neutron or the measurement of the neutron lifetime.

A compact neutron spectrometer for characterizing inertial confinement fusion implosions at OMEGA and the NIF

DOE PAGES

Zylstra, A. B.; Gatu Johnson, M.; Frenje, J. A.; ...

2014-06-04

A compact spectrometer for measurements of the primary deuterium-tritium neutron spectrum has been designed and implemented on the OMEGA laser facility. This instrument uses the recoil spectrometry technique, where neutrons produced in an implosion elastically scatter protons in a plastic foil, which are subsequently detected by a proton spectrometer. This diagnostic is capable of measuring the yield to ~±10% accuracy, and mean neutron energy to ~±50 keV precision. As these compact spectrometers can be readily placed at several locations around an implosion, effects of residual fuel bulk flows during burn can be measured. Future improvements to reduce the neutron energymore » uncertainty to ±15-20 keV are discussed, which will enable measurements of fuel velocities to an accuracy of ~±25-40 km/s.« less

Study of low energy neutron beam formation based on GEANT4 simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avagyan, R.; Avetisyan, R.; Ivanyan, V.; Kerobyan, I.

2017-07-01

The possibility of obtaining thermal/epithermal energy neutron beams using external protons from cyclotron C18/18 is studied based on GEANT4 simulations. This study will be the basis of the Beam Shaped Assembly (BSA) development for future Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). Proton induced reactions on 9Be target are considered as a neutron source, and dependence of neutron yield on target thickness is investigated. The problem of reducing the ratio of gamma to neutron yields by inserting a lead sheet after the beryllium target is studied as well. By GEANT4 modeling the optimal thicknesses of 9Be target and lead absorber are determined and the design characteristics of beam shaping assembly, including the materials and thicknesses of reflector and moderator are considered.

Reducing Uncertainties in Neutron Induced Fission Cross Sections via a Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magee, Joshua; Niffte Collaboration

2016-09-01

Neutron induced fission cross sections of actinides are of great interest in nuclear energy and stockpile stewardship. Traditionally, measurements of these cross sections have been made with fission chambers, which provide limited information on the actual fragments, and ultimately result in uncertainties on the order of several percent. The Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment collaboration (NIFFTE) designed and built a fission Time Project Chamber (fission TPC), which provides additional information on these processes, through 3-dimensional tracking, improved particle identification, and in-situ profiles of target and beam non-uniformities. Ultimately, this should provide sub-percent measurements of (n,f) cross-sections. During the 2015 run cycle, measurements of several actinides were performed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility. An overview of the fission TPC will be given, as well as the current progress towards a sub-percent measurement of the 239Pu/235U (n,f) cross-section ratio. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Structural and optical properties improvements of PVP/gelatin blends induced by neutron irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basha, Mohammad Ahmad-Fouad; Hassan, Mohamed Ahmed

2018-05-01

Blends of polyvinylpyrrolidone and gelatin were prepared in three different concentrations to study the modifications in their structural and optical properties induced by neutron irradiations with different neutron fluence values from 108 up to 1011 neutron/cm2. X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the irradiation has induced a recrystallization phenomenon in the studied blends and the crystallinity index increased by increasing the neutron fluence due to the breaking of the crystallites. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy came to confirm the existence of interactions between interchain groups and a higher compatibility for the irradiated blends. The irradiation induced defects inside the material were responsible for the change in their optical and structural properties. The creation of free radicals or ions inside the conduction bands has led to the increase in the number of carriers on localized states; this has caused the increase in optical conductivity of the irradiated blends as a result of decreasing the energy gaps by increasing the neutron fluence. Results may widen the applications of the gelatin based blends to include optoelectronic devices, organic light emitting devices, solar selective and anti-reflectance bio-coatings, optical organic glass and lenses.

Little Boy neutron spectrum below 1 MeV

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evans, A.E.

1984-01-01

A high-resolution /sup 3/He ionization chamber of the type development by Cuttler and Shalev was used to study the neutron spectrum from the Little Boy mockup. Measurements were made at distances of 0.75 and 2.0 m and at angles of 0/sup 0/, 45/sup 0/, and 90/sup 0/ with respect to the axis of the assembly, which was operated at power levels from 8.6 to 450 mW. Detector efficiency as a function of energy as well as parameters for correction of pulse-height distributions for proton-recoil and wall effects were determined from a set of response functions for monoenergetic neutrons measured atmore » the Los Alamos 3.75-MeV Van de Graaff Accelerator Facility. Pulse-shape discrimination was used to separate /sup 3/He-recoil pulses from the pulse-height distribution. The spectrum was found to be highly structured, with peaks corresponding to minima in the total neutron cross section of iron. In particular, 15% of the neutrons above the epithermal peak in energy were found to be in the 24-keV iron window. Lesser peaks out to 700 keV are also attributable to filtering action of the weapon's heavy iron casing. Data taken using experimental proton-recoil proportional counters are compared with the high-resolution spectra.« less

Fission Fragment Mass Distributions and Total Kinetic Energy Release of 235-Uranium and 238-Uranium in Neutron-Induced Fission at Intermediate and Fast Neutron Energies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duke, Dana Lynn

2015-11-12

This Ph.D. dissertation describes a measurement of the change in mass distributions and average total kinetic energy (TKE) release with increasing incident neutron energy for fission of 235U and 238U. Although fission was discovered over seventy-five years ago, open questions remain about the physics of the fission process. The energy of the incident neutron, En, changes the division of energy release in the resulting fission fragments, however, the details of energy partitioning remain ambiguous because the nucleus is a many-body quantum system. Creating a full theoretical model is difficult and experimental data to validate existing models are lacking. Additional fissionmore » measurements will lead to higher-quality models of the fission process, therefore improving applications such as the development of next-generation nuclear reactors and defense. This work also paves the way for precision experiments such as the Time Projection Chamber (TPC) for fission cross section measurements and the Spectrometer for Ion Determination in Fission (SPIDER) for precision mass yields.« less

Filtered epithermal quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams at research reactor facilities.

PubMed

Mansy, M S; Bashter, I I; El-Mesiry, M S; Habib, N; Adib, M

2015-03-01

Filtered neutron techniques were applied to produce quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams in the energy range of 1.5-133keV at research reactors. A simulation study was performed to characterize the filter components and transmitted beam lines. The filtered beams were characterized in terms of the optimal thickness of the main and additive components. The filtered neutron beams had high purity and intensity, with low contamination from the accompanying thermal emission, fast neutrons and γ-rays. A computer code named "QMNB" was developed in the "MATLAB" programming language to perform the required calculations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Spectral correction factors for conventional neutron dosemeters used in high-energy neutron environments.

PubMed

Lee, K W; Sheu, R J

2015-04-01

High-energy neutrons (>10 MeV) contribute substantially to the dose fraction but result in only a small or negligible response in most conventional moderated-type neutron detectors. Neutron dosemeters used for radiation protection purpose are commonly calibrated with (252)Cf neutron sources and are used in various workplace. A workplace-specific correction factor is suggested. In this study, the effect of the neutron spectrum on the accuracy of dose measurements was investigated. A set of neutron spectra representing various neutron environments was selected to study the dose responses of a series of Bonner spheres, including standard and extended-range spheres. By comparing (252)Cf-calibrated dose responses with reference values based on fluence-to-dose conversion coefficients, this paper presents recommendations for neutron field characterisation and appropriate correction factors for responses of conventional neutron dosemeters used in environments with high-energy neutrons. The correction depends on the estimated percentage of high-energy neutrons in the spectrum or the ratio between the measured responses of two Bonner spheres (the 4P6_8 extended-range sphere versus the 6″ standard sphere). © The Author 2014. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Measurement of the Energy and High-Pressure Dependence of X-ray-Induced Decomposition of Crystalline Strontium Oxalate

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goldberger, David; Evlyukhin, Egor; Cifligu, Petrika

We report measurements of the X-ray-induced decomposition of crystalline strontium oxalate (SrC2O4) as a function of energy and high pressure in two separate experiments. SrC2O4 at ambient conditions was irradiated with monochromatic synchrotron X-rays ranging in energy from 15 to 28 keV. A broad resonance of the decomposition yield was observed with a clear maximum when irradiating with ~20 keV X-rays and ambient pressure. Little or no decomposition was observed at 15 keV, which is below the Sr K-shell energy of 16.12 keV, suggesting that excitation of core electrons may play an important role in the destabilization of the C2O42–more » anion. A second experiment was performed to investigate the high-pressure dependence of the X-ray-induced decomposition of strontium oxalate at fixed energy. SrC2O4 was compressed in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) in the pressure range from 0 to 7.6 GPa with 1 GPa increments and irradiated in situ with 20 keV X-rays. A marked pressure dependence of the decomposition yield of SrC2O4 was observed with a decomposition yield maximum at around 1 GPa, suggesting that different crystal structures of the material play an important role in the decomposition process. This may be due in part to a phase transition observed near this pressure.« less

Measurement of the Energy and High-Pressure Dependence of X-ray-Induced Decomposition of Crystalline Strontium Oxalate.

PubMed

Goldberger, David; Evlyukhin, Egor; Cifligu, Petrika; Wang, Yonggang; Pravica, Michael

2017-09-28

We report measurements of the X-ray-induced decomposition of crystalline strontium oxalate (SrC 2 O 4 ) as a function of energy and high pressure in two separate experiments. SrC 2 O 4 at ambient conditions was irradiated with monochromatic synchrotron X-rays ranging in energy from 15 to 28 keV. A broad resonance of the decomposition yield was observed with a clear maximum when irradiating with ∼20 keV X-rays and ambient pressure. Little or no decomposition was observed at 15 keV, which is below the Sr K-shell energy of 16.12 keV, suggesting that excitation of core electrons may play an important role in the destabilization of the C 2 O 4 2- anion. A second experiment was performed to investigate the high-pressure dependence of the X-ray-induced decomposition of strontium oxalate at fixed energy. SrC 2 O 4 was compressed in a diamond anvil cell (DAC) in the pressure range from 0 to 7.6 GPa with 1 GPa increments and irradiated in situ with 20 keV X-rays. A marked pressure dependence of the decomposition yield of SrC 2 O 4 was observed with a decomposition yield maximum at around 1 GPa, suggesting that different crystal structures of the material play an important role in the decomposition process. This may be due in part to a phase transition observed near this pressure.

Neutron-induced reactions relevant for Inertial-Cofinement Fusion Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boswell, Melissa; Devlin, Mathew; Fotiadis, Nikolaos; Merrill, Frank; Nelson, Ronald; Tonchev, Anton

2014-09-01

The typical ignition experiment at the National Ignition Facility ablatively implodes a plastic capsule filled with DT fuel, generating a high flux of 14-MeV neutrons from the d(t,n) α reaction. There is some spread in the energy of these primary 14-MeV neutrons, which is mainly attributable to Doppler shifting from the relative thermal motion of the burning DT fuel. Neutrons created during this reaction have 5--10% chance of scattering before escaping the fuel assembly, losing some fraction of their energy in the scattering process. Neutrons emerging with an energy greater than the reaction energy are generated by a two-step process where neutrons first transfer momentum to a deuteron or tritium ion, these enhanced energy ions then fuse in flight to produce higher energy neutrons; some of these neutrons have energies in excess of 30 MeV. Measuring the fluencies of both the low- and high-energy neutrons is a powerful mechanism for studying the properties of the fuel assembly, and the various parameters important to inertial confinement fusion. We have developed a number of tools to measure the spectral characteristics of the NIF neutron spectrum. Most of these methods rely on exploiting the energy dependence of (n, γ), (n,2n), (n,3n) and (n,p) reactions on a variety o.

γ production and neutron inelastic scattering cross sections for 76Ge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rouki, C.; Domula, A. R.; Drohé, J. C.; Koning, A. J.; Plompen, A. J. M.; Zuber, K.

2013-11-01

The 2040.7-keV γ ray from the 69th excited state of 76Ge was investigated in the interest of Ge-based double-β-decay experiments like the Germanium Detector Array (GERDA) experiment. The predicted transition could interfere with valid 0νββ events at 2039.0 keV, creating false signals in large-volume 76Ge enriched detectors. The measurement was performed with the Gamma Array for Inelastic Neutron Scattering (GAINS) at the Geel Electron Linear Accelerator (GELINA) white neutron source, using the (n,n'γ) technique and focusing on the strongest γ rays originating from the level. Upper limits obtained for the production cross section of the 2040.7-keV γ ray showed no possible influence on GERDA data. Additional analysis of the data yielded high-resolution cross sections for the low-lying states of 76Ge and related γ rays, improving the accuracy and extending existing data for five transitions and five levels. The inelastic scattering cross section for 76Ge was determined for incident neutron energies up to 2.23 MeV, significantly increasing the energy range for which experimental data are available. Comparisons with model calculations using the talys code are presented indicating that accounting for the recently established asymmetric rotor structure should lead to an improved description of the data.

X-Ray Measurements Of A Thermo Scientific P385 DD Neutron Generator

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wharton, C. J.; Seabury, E. H.; Chichester, D. L.

2011-06-01

Idaho National Laboratory is experimenting with electrical neutron generators, as potential replacements for californium-252 radioisotopic neutron sources in its PINS prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) system for the identification of military chemical warfare agents and explosives. In addition to neutron output, we have recently measured the x-ray output of the Thermo Scientific P385 deuterium-deuterium neutron generator. X rays are a normal byproduct from neutron generators, but depending on their intensity and energy, x rays can interfere with gamma rays from the object under test, increase gamma-spectrometer dead time, and reduce PGNAA system throughput. The P385 x-ray energy spectrum wasmore » measured with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector, and a broad peak is evident at about 70 keV. To identify the source of the x rays within the neutron generator assembly, it was scanned by collimated scintillation detectors along its long axis. At the strongest x-ray emission points, the generator also was rotated 60 deg. between measurements. The scans show the primary source of x-ray emission from the P385 neutron generator is an area 60 mm from the neutron production target, in the vicinity of the ion source. Rotation of the neutron generator did not significantly alter the x-ray count rate, and its x-ray emission appears to be axially symmetric. A thin lead shield, 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) thick, reduced the 70-keV generator x rays to negligible levels.« less

Neutron dosimetry

DOEpatents

Quinby, Thomas C.

1976-07-27

A method of measuring neutron radiation within a nuclear reactor is provided. A sintered oxide wire is disposed within the reactor and exposed to neutron radiation. The induced radioactivity is measured to provide an indication of the neutron energy and flux within the reactor.

A long-lived tritiated titanium target for fast neutron production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughey, B. J.

1995-03-01

Diagnostic techniques using neutron beams have a broad spectrum of applications in advanced manufacturing, explosives and contraband detection, medicine, and industry. The most suitable nuclear reaction for producing large fluxes of fast neutrons at low bombarding energy is the H(d,n)-3 He-4, i.e. d-T, reaction. The lifetime of currently used d-T neutron generators is limited by the gradual evolution of tritium gas from the target during bombardment. This paper is a report of work in progress to develop a method for inhibiting the replacement of tritium with beam deuterons and thus preventing the evolution of tritium gas leading to reduced neutron yield. It is anticipated that tritiated target lifetime can be increased by at least an order of magnitude by using a range-thin tritiated titanium target mounted on a substrate with a high hydrogen diffusivity, such as niobium. Lifetime can be further enhanced by increasing the deuteron beam bombarding energy from the typical value of 200 keV to 600 keV. The results of experiments demonstrating the effect of hydrogen diffusion coefficient on concentration of implanted beam deuterons in candidate substrate materials (Cu, Pd, and Nb) are presented, and issues relevant to the fabrication of a tritiated titanium target on a niobium substrate are discussed.

Microsecond Electron Beam Source with Electron Energy Up to 400 Kev and Plasma Anode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdullin, É. N.; Basov, G. F.; Shershnev, S.

2017-12-01

A new high-power source of electrons with plasma anode for producing high-current microsecond electron beams with electron energy up to 400 keV has been developed, manufactured, and put in operation. To increase the cross section and pulse current duration of the beam, a multipoint explosive emission cathode is used in the electron beam source, and the beam is formed in an applied external guiding magnetic field. The Marx generator with vacuum insulation is used as a high-voltage source. Electron beams with electron energy up to 300-400 keV, current of 5-15 kA, duration of 1.5-3 μs, energy up to 4 kJ, and cross section up to 150 cm2 have been produced. The operating modes of the electron beam source are realized in which the applied voltage is influenced weakly on the current. The possibility of source application for melting of metal surfaces is demonstrated.

10B(n,α)7Li and 10B(n,α1γ)7Li cross section data up to 3 MeV incident neutron energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bevilacqua, Riccardo; Hambsch, Franz-Josef; Vidali, Marzio; Ruskov, Ivan; Lamia, Livio

2017-09-01

The 10B(n,α) reaction cross-section is a well-established neutron cross-section standard for incident neutron energies up to 1 MeV. However, above this energy limit there are only scarce direct (n,α) measurements available and these few experimental data are showing large inconsistencies with each other. These discrepancies are reflected in the evaluated data libraries: ENDF/B-VII.1, JEFF-3.1.2 and JENDL-4.0 are in excellent agreement up to 100 keV incident neutrons, whereas the 10B(n,α) data in the different libraries show large differences in the MeV region. To address these inconsistencies, we have measured the cross section of the two branches of the 10B(n,α) reaction for incident neutron energies up to 3 MeV. We present here the 10B(n,α) and the 10B(n,α1γ) reactions cross section data, their branching ratio and the total 10B(n,α) reaction cross section. The measurements were conducted with a dedicated Frisch-grid ionization chamber installed at the GELINA pulsed neutron source of the EC-JRC. We compare our results with existing experimental data and evaluations.

High energy neutrons at balloon altitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klumpar, D. M.; Lockwood, J. A.

1974-01-01

The flux and energy spectrum of fast neutrons (3 to 20 MeV) has been measured near the top of the atmosphere with an organic liquid scintillator. The omnidirectional neutron energy spectrum from 3 to 20 MeV at 3.5 g/sq cm over Palestine, Texas can be described by a power law with an energy dependent spectral index which varies from 1.8 (plus or minus .2) between 1 and 10 MeV to 0.3 (plus or minus .3) between 15 and 20 MeV. From 20 to 50 MeV, a neutron spectrum independence of E is consistent with our data.

A Gamma-Ray Burst Model Via Compressional Heating of Binary Neutron Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salmonson, J. D.; Wilson, J. R.; Mathews, G. J.

1998-12-01

We present a model for gamma-ray bursts based on the compression of neutron stars in close binary systems. General relativistic (GR) simulations of close neutron star binaries have found compression of the neutron stars estimated to produce 1053 ergs of thermal neutrinos on a timescale of seconds. The hot neutron stars will emit neutrino pairs which will partially recombine to form 1051 to 1052 ergs of electron-positron (e^-e^+) pair plasma. GR hydrodynamic computational modeling of the e^-e^+ plasma flow and recombination yield a gamma-ray burst in good agreement with general characteristics (duration ~10 seconds, spectrum peak energy ~100 keV, total energy ~1051 ergs) of many observed gamma-ray bursts.

The Neutrons for Science Facility at SPIRAL-2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ledoux, X.; Aïche, M.; Avrigeanu, M.; Avrigeanu, V.; Audouin, L.; Balanzat, E.; Ban-détat, B.; Ban, G.; Barreau, G.; Bauge, E.; Bélier, G.; Bem, P.; Blideanu, V.; Borcea, C.; Bouffard, S.; Caillaud, T.; Chatillon, A.; Czajkowski, S.; Dessagne, P.; Doré, D.; Fallot, M.; Farget, F.; Fischer, U.; Giot, L.; Granier, T.; Guillous, S.; Gunsing, F.; Gustavsson, C.; Jacquot, B.; Jansson, K.; Jurado, B.; Kerveno, M.; Klix, A.; Landoas, O.; Lecolley, F. R.; Lecouey, J. L.; Majerle, M.; Marie, N.; Materna, T.; Mrazek, J.; Negoita, F.; Novak, J.; Oberstedt, S.; Oberstedt, A.; Panebianco, S.; Perrot, L.; Plompen, A. J. M.; Pomp, S.; Ramillon, J. M.; Ridikas, D.; Rossé, B.; Rudolf, G.; Serot, O.; Simakov, S. P.; Simeckova, E.; Smith, A. G.; Sublet, J. C.; Taieb, J.; Tassan-Got, L.; Tarrio, D.; Takibayev, A.; Thfoin, I.; Tsekhanovich, I.; Varignon, C.

2014-05-01

The Neutrons For Science (NFS) facility is a component of SPIRAL-2 laboratory under construction at Caen (France). SPIRAL-2 is dedicated to the production of high intensity Radioactive Ions Beams (RIB). It is based on a high-power linear accelerator (LINAG) to accelerate deuterons beams in order to produce neutrons by breakup reactions on a C converter. These neutrons will induce fission in 238U for production of radioactive isotopes. Additionally to the RIB production, the proton and deuteron beams delivered by the accelerator will be used in the NFS facility. NFS is composed of a pulsed neutron beam and irradiation stations for cross-section measurements and material studies. The beams delivered by the LINAG will allow producing intense neutron beams in the 100 keV-40 MeV energy range with either a continuous or quasi-mono-energetic spectrum. At NFS available average fluxes will be up to 2 orders of magnitude higher than those of other existing time-of-flight facilities in the 1 MeV - 40 MeV range. NFS will be a very powerful tool for fundamental physics and application related research in support of the transmutation of nuclear waste, design of future fission and fusion reactors, nuclear medicine or test and development of new detectors. The facility and its characteristics are described, and several examples of the first potential experiments are presented.

Event Centroiding Applied to Energy-Resolved Neutron Imaging at LANSCE

DOE PAGES

Borges, Nicholas; Losko, Adrian; Vogel, Sven

2018-02-13

The energy-dependence of the neutron cross section provides vastly different contrast mechanisms than polychromatic neutron radiography if neutron energies can be selected for imaging applications. In recent years, energy-resolved neutron imaging (ERNI) with epi-thermal neutrons, utilizing neutron absorption resonances for contrast as well as for quantitative density measurements, was pioneered at the Flight Path 5 beam line at LANSCE and continues to be refined. In this work, we present event centroiding, i.e., the determination of the center-of-gravity of a detection event on an imaging detector to allow sub-pixel spatial resolution and apply it to the many frames collected for energy-resolvedmore » neutron imaging at a pulsed neutron source. While event centroiding was demonstrated at thermal neutron sources, it has not been applied to energy-resolved neutron imaging, where the energy resolution requires to be preserved, and we present a quantification of the possible resolution as a function of neutron energy. For the 55 μm pixel size of the detector used for this study, we found a resolution improvement from ~80 μm to ~22 μm using pixel centroiding while fully preserving the energy resolution.« less

Event Centroiding Applied to Energy-Resolved Neutron Imaging at LANSCE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Borges, Nicholas; Losko, Adrian; Vogel, Sven

The energy-dependence of the neutron cross section provides vastly different contrast mechanisms than polychromatic neutron radiography if neutron energies can be selected for imaging applications. In recent years, energy-resolved neutron imaging (ERNI) with epi-thermal neutrons, utilizing neutron absorption resonances for contrast as well as for quantitative density measurements, was pioneered at the Flight Path 5 beam line at LANSCE and continues to be refined. In this work, we present event centroiding, i.e., the determination of the center-of-gravity of a detection event on an imaging detector to allow sub-pixel spatial resolution and apply it to the many frames collected for energy-resolvedmore » neutron imaging at a pulsed neutron source. While event centroiding was demonstrated at thermal neutron sources, it has not been applied to energy-resolved neutron imaging, where the energy resolution requires to be preserved, and we present a quantification of the possible resolution as a function of neutron energy. For the 55 μm pixel size of the detector used for this study, we found a resolution improvement from ~80 μm to ~22 μm using pixel centroiding while fully preserving the energy resolution.« less

Detection of special nuclear material from delayed neutron emission induced by a dual-particle monoenergetic source

DOE PAGES

Mayer, Michael F.; Nattress, J.; Jovanovic, I.

2016-06-27

Detection of unique signatures of special nuclear materials is critical for their interdiction in a variety of nuclear security and nonproliferation scenarios. We report on the observation of delayed neutrons from fission of uranium induced in dual-particle active interrogation based on the 11B(d,n γ) 12C nuclear reaction. Majority of the fissions are attributed to fast fission induced by the incident quasi-monoenergetic neutrons. A Li-doped glass–polymer composite scintillation neutron detector, which displays excellent neutron/γ discrimination at low energies, was used in the measurements, along with a recoil-based liquid scintillation detector. Time- dependent buildup and decay of delayed neutron emission from 238Umore » were measured between the interrogating beam pulses and after the interrogating beam was turned off, respectively. Characteristic buildup and decay time profiles were compared to the common parametrization into six delayed neutron groups, finding a good agreement between the measurement and nuclear data. Furthermore, this method is promising for detecting fissile and fissionable materials in cargo scanning applications and can be readily integrated with transmission radiography using low-energy nuclear reaction sources.« less

Surrogate 239Pu(n, fxn) and 241Pu(n, fxn) average fission-neutron-multiplicity measurements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burke, J. T.; Alan, B. S.; Akindele, O. A.

2017-09-26

We have constructed a new neutron-charged-particle detector array called NeutronSTARS. It has been described extensively in LLNL-TR-703909 [1] and Akindele et al [2]. We have used this new neutron-charged-particle array to measure the 241Pu and 239Pu fissionneutron multiplicity as a function of equivalent incident-neutron energy from 100 keV to 20 MeV. The experimental approach, detector array, data analysis, and results are summarized in the following sections.

On the Monte Carlo simulation of electron transport in the sub-1 keV energy range.

PubMed

Thomson, Rowan M; Kawrakow, Iwan

2011-08-01

The validity of "classic" Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of electron and positron transport at sub-1 keV energies is investigated in the context of quantum theory. Quantum theory dictates that uncertainties on the position and energy-momentum four-vectors of radiation quanta obey Heisenberg's uncertainty relation; however, these uncertainties are neglected in "classical" MC simulations of radiation transport in which position and momentum are known precisely. Using the quantum uncertainty relation and electron mean free path, the magnitudes of uncertainties on electron position and momentum are calculated for different kinetic energies; a validity bound on the classical simulation of electron transport is derived. In order to satisfy the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, uncertainties of 5% must be assigned to position and momentum for 1 keV electrons in water; at 100 eV, these uncertainties are 17 to 20% and are even larger at lower energies. In gaseous media such as air, these uncertainties are much smaller (less than 1% for electrons with energy 20 eV or greater). The classical Monte Carlo transport treatment is questionable for sub-1 keV electrons in condensed water as uncertainties on position and momentum must be large (relative to electron momentum and mean free path) to satisfy the quantum uncertainty principle. Simulations which do not account for these uncertainties are not faithful representations of the physical processes, calling into question the results of MC track structure codes simulating sub-1 keV electron transport. Further, the large difference in the scale at which quantum effects are important in gaseous and condensed media suggests that track structure measurements in gases are not necessarily representative of track structure in condensed materials on a micrometer or a nanometer scale.

Actinide Sputtering Induced by Fission with Ultra-cold Neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venuti, Michael; Shi, Tan; Fellers, Deion; Morris, Christopher; Makela, Mark

2017-09-01

Understanding the effects of actinide sputtering due to nuclear fission is important for a wide range of applications, including nuclear fuel storage, space science, and national defense. A new program at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center uses ultracold neutrons (UCN) to induce fission in actinides such as uranium and plutonium. By controlling the energy of UCN, it is possible to induce fission at the sample surface within a well-defined depth. It is therefore an ideal tool for studying the effects of fission-induced sputtering as a function of interaction depth. Since the mechanism for fission-induced surface damage is not well understood, especially for samples with a surface oxide layer, this work has the potential to separate the various damage mechanisms proposed in previous works. During the irradiation with UCN, fission events are monitored by coincidence counting between prompt gamma rays using NaI detectors. Alpha spectroscopy of the ejected actinide material is performed in a custom-built ionization chamber to determine the amount of sputtered material. Actinide samples with various sample properties and surface conditions are irradiated and analyzed. In this presentation, we will discuss our experimental setup and present the preliminary results.

Gadolinium-doped water cerenkov-based neutron and high energy gamma-ray detector and radiation portal monitoring system

DOEpatents

Dazeley, Steven A; Svoboda, Robert C; Bernstein, Adam; Bowden, Nathaniel

2013-02-12

A water Cerenkov-based neutron and high energy gamma ray detector and radiation portal monitoring system using water doped with a Gadolinium (Gd)-based compound as the Cerenkov radiator. An optically opaque enclosure is provided surrounding a detection chamber filled with the Cerenkov radiator, and photomultipliers are optically connected to the detect Cerenkov radiation generated by the Cerenkov radiator from incident high energy gamma rays or gamma rays induced by neutron capture on the Gd of incident neutrons from a fission source. The PMT signals are then used to determine time correlations indicative of neutron multiplicity events characteristic of a fission source.

Sub-second variations of high energy ( 300 keV) hard X-ray emission from solar flares

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bai, Taeil

1986-01-01

Subsecond variations of hard X-ray emission from solar flares were first observed with a balloon-borne detector. With the launch of the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM), it is now well known that subsecond variations of hard X-ray emission occur quite frequently. Such rapid variations give constraints on the modeling of electron energization. Such rapid variations reported until now, however, were observed at relatively low energies. Fast mode data obtained by the Hard X-ray Burst Spectrometer (HXRBS) has time resolution of approximately 1 ms but has no energy resolution. Therefore, rapid fluctuations observed in the fast-mode HXRBS data are dominated by the low energy hard X-rays. It is of interest to know whether rapid fluctuations are observed in high-energy X-rays. The highest energy band at which subsecond variations were observed is 223 to 1057 keV. Subsecond variations observed with HXRBS at energies greater than 300 keV are reported, and the implications discussed.

Neutron counting with cameras

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Van Esch, Patrick; Crisanti, Marta; Mutti, Paolo

2015-07-01

A research project is presented in which we aim at counting individual neutrons with CCD-like cameras. We explore theoretically a technique that allows us to use imaging detectors as counting detectors at lower counting rates, and transits smoothly to continuous imaging at higher counting rates. As such, the hope is to combine the good background rejection properties of standard neutron counting detectors with the absence of dead time of integrating neutron imaging cameras as well as their very good spatial resolution. Compared to Xray detection, the essence of thermal neutron detection is the nuclear conversion reaction. The released energies involvedmore » are of the order of a few MeV, while X-ray detection releases energies of the order of the photon energy, which is in the 10 KeV range. Thanks to advances in camera technology which have resulted in increased quantum efficiency, lower noise, as well as increased frame rate up to 100 fps for CMOS-type cameras, this more than 100-fold higher available detection energy implies that the individual neutron detection light signal can be significantly above the noise level, as such allowing for discrimination and individual counting, which is hard to achieve with X-rays. The time scale of CMOS-type cameras doesn't allow one to consider time-of-flight measurements, but kinetic experiments in the 10 ms range are possible. The theory is next confronted to the first experimental results. (authors)« less

Gamma ray interaction studies of organic nonlinear optical materials in the energy range 122 keV-1330 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Awasarmol, V. V.; Gaikwad, D. K.; Raut, S. D.; Pawar, P. P.

The mass attenuation coefficients (μm) for organic nonlinear optical materials measured at 122-1330 keV photon energies were investigated on the basis of mixture rule and compared with obtained values of WinXCOM program. It is observed that there is a good agreement between theoretical and experimental values of the samples. All samples were irradiated with six radioactive sources such as 57Co, 133Ba, 22Na, 137Cs, 54Mn and 60Co using transmission arrangement. Effective atomic and electron numbers or electron densities (Zeff and Neff), molar extinction coefficient (ε), mass energy absorption coefficient (μen/ρ) and effective atomic energy absorption cross section (σa,en) were determined experimentally and theoretically using the obtained μm values for investigated samples and graphs have been plotted. The graph shows that the variation of all samples decreases with increasing photon energy.

Measurements of neutron distribution in neutrons-gamma-rays mixed field using imaging plate for neutron capture therapy.

PubMed

Tanaka, Kenichi; Endo, Satoru; Hoshi, Masaharu

2010-01-01

The imaging plate (IP) technique is tried to be used as a handy method to measure the spatial neutron distribution via the (157)Gd(n,gamma)(158)Gd reaction for neutron capture therapy (NCT). For this purpose, IP is set in a water phantom and irradiated in a mixed field of neutrons and gamma-rays. The Hiroshima University Radiobiological Research Accelerator is utilized for this experiment. The neutrons are moderated with 20-cm-thick D(2)O to obtain suitable neutron field for NCT. The signal for IP doped with Gd as a neutron-response enhancer is subtracted with its contribution by gamma-rays, which was estimated using IP without Gd. The gamma-ray response of Gd-doped IP to non-Gd IP is set at 1.34, the value measured for (60)Co gamma-rays, in estimating the gamma-ray contribution to Gd-doped IP signal. Then measured distribution of the (157)Gd(n,gamma)(158)Gd reaction rate agrees within 10% with the calculated value based on the method that has already been validated for its reproducibility of Au activation. However, the evaluated distribution of the (157)Gd(n,gamma)(158)Gd reaction rate is so sensitive to gamma-ray energy, e.g. the discrepancy of the (157)Gd(n,gamma)(158)Gd reaction rate between measurement and calculation becomes 30% for the photon energy change from 33keV to 1.253MeV.

Measuring Fission Fragment Mass Distributions as a Function of Incident Neutron Energy Using the fissionTPC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gearhart, Joshua; Niffte Collaboration

2017-09-01

Fission fragment mass distributions are important observables for developing next generation dynamical models of fission. Many previous measurements have utilized ionization chambers to measure fission fragment energies and emission angles which are then used for mass calculations. The Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) collaboration has built a time projection chamber (fissionTPC) that is capable of measuring additional quantities such as the ionization profiles of detected particles, allowing for the association of an individual fragment's ionization profile with its mass. The fragment masses are measured using the previously established 2E method. The fissionTPC takes its data using a continuous incident neutron energy spectrum provided by the Los Alamos Neutron Science CEnter (LANSCE). Mass distribution measurements across a continuous range of neutron energies put stronger constraints on fission models than similar measurements conducted at a handful of discrete neutron energies. This material is based upon work supported by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration under Award Numbers DE-NA0003180 and DE-NA0002921.

Empirical mass formula with proton-neutron interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachibana, Takahiro; Uno, Masahiro; Yamada, So; Yamada, Masami

1987-12-01

An atomic mass formula consisting of a gross part, and averge even-odd part and an empirical shell part is studied. The gross part is, apart from a small atomic term, taken to be the sum of nucleon rest masses. Coulomb energies and a polynomial in A1/3 and ‖N-Z‖/A. The shell part includes, in addition to proton and neutron support of nuclear magicities and the cooperative deformation effect. After the first construction of such a formula, refinements have been made in two respects. One is a separate treatment of Z=N odd-odd nuclei suggested by a quartet model, and the other is an improvement of the proton neutron interaction term. By these refinements the root-mean-square deviation of calculated masses from the 1986 Audi-Wapstra masses has been reduced from 538 keV to 460 keV.

X-ray Observations of Neutron Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Enoto, Teruaki

A large diversity of neutron stars has been discovered by recent multi-wavelength observations from the radio band to the X-ray and gamma-ray energy range. Among different manifestation of neutron stars, magnetars are strongly magnetised objects with the magnetic field strength of B = 1014-15 G. Some of magnetars exhibit transient behaviours, in which activated state the magnetars radiate sporadic short bursts and enhanced persistent X-ray emission for a couple of weeks or more. The Suzaku X-ray satellite has observed 15 magnetars among 23 known sources in 2006-2013, including persistently bright sources and transient objects. We showed that the broadband magnetar spectra, including both of surface emission below 10 keV and magnetospheric power-law radiation above 10 keV, follow spectral evolution as a function of the magnetic field, in terms of wide-band spectral hardness ratio and of power-law photon index. Magnetars are also compared with other rotation powered pulsars on the correlation between X-ray luminosity and the spin-down luminosity. I will address future missions related with investigation of the nature of neutron stars.

Neutron Capture Energies for Flux Normalization and Approximate Model for Gamma-Smeared Power

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Kang Seog; Clarno, Kevin T.; Liu, Yuxuan

The Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL) Virtual Environment for Reactor Applications (VERA) neutronics simulator MPACT has used a single recoverable fission energy for each fissionable nuclide assuming that all recoverable energies come only from fission reaction, for which capture energy is merged with fission energy. This approach includes approximations and requires improvement by separating capture energy from the merged effective recoverable energy. This report documents the procedure to generate recoverable neutron capture energies and the development of a program called CapKappa to generate capture energies. Recoverable neutron capture energies have been generated by using CapKappa withmore » the evaluated nuclear data file (ENDF)/B-7.0 and 7.1 cross section and decay libraries. The new capture kappas were compared to the current SCALE-6.2 and the CASMO-5 capture kappas. These new capture kappas have been incorporated into the Simplified AMPX 51- and 252-group libraries, and they can be used for the AMPX multigroup (MG) libraries and the SCALE code package. The CASL VERA neutronics simulator MPACT does not include a gamma transport capability, which limits it to explicitly estimating local energy deposition from fission, neutron, and gamma slowing down and capture. Since the mean free path of gamma rays is typically much longer than that for the neutron, and the total gamma energy is about 10% to the total energy, the gamma-smeared power distribution is different from the fission power distribution. Explicit local energy deposition through neutron and gamma transport calculation is significantly important in multi-physics whole core simulation with thermal-hydraulic feedback. Therefore, the gamma transport capability should be incorporated into the CASL neutronics simulator MPACT. However, this task will be timeconsuming in developing the neutron induced gamma production and gamma cross section libraries. This study is to

Low-energy Coulomb excitation of neutron-rich zinc isotopes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walle, J. van de; ISOLDE, CERN, Geneva; Aksouh, F.

2009-01-15

At the radioactive ion beam facility REX-ISOLDE, neutron-rich zinc isotopes were investigated using low-energy Coulomb excitation. These experiments have resulted in B(E2,2{sub 1}{sup +}{yields}0{sub 1}{sup +}) values in {sup 74-80}Zn, B(E2,4{sub 1}{sup +}{yields}2{sub 1}{sup +}) values in {sup 74,76}Zn and the determination of the energy of the first excited 2{sub 1}{sup +} states in {sup 78,80}Zn. The zinc isotopes were produced by high-energy proton- (A=74,76,80) and neutron- (A=78) induced fission of {sup 238}U, combined with selective laser ionization and mass separation. The isobaric beam was postaccelerated by the REX linear accelerator and Coulomb excitation was induced on a thin secondarymore » target, which was surrounded by the MINIBALL germanium detector array. In this work, it is shown how the selective laser ionization can be used to deal with the considerable isobaric beam contamination and how a reliable normalization of the experiment can be achieved. The results for zinc isotopes and the N=50 isotones are compared to collective model predictions and state-of-the-art large-scale shell-model calculations, including a recent empirical residual interaction constructed to describe the present experimental data up to 2004 in this region of the nuclear chart.« less

A gamma and neutron phoswich read out with SiPM for SPRD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Tuchen; Fu, Qibin; Yuan, Cenxi; Lin, Shaopeng

2018-02-01

A gamma and neutron phoswich was developed for spectroscopic personal radiation detectors (SPRDs). It consisted of a Φ25 × 25 mm NaI(Tl) crystal for gamma detection and a Φ25 × 3 mm LiI(Eu) crystal for neutron detection. The phoswich was read out by 8 × 8 ch SiPM array (24 × 24 mm2). Radiations in NaI(Tl) and LiI(Eu) were discriminated by pulse shape, while gammas and neutrons in LiI(Eu) were separated by pulse amplitude. For the LiI(Eu), the gamma equivalent energy for thermal neutrons was measured as 3.6 ± 0.1 MeV, providing satisfactory gamma rejection. For NaI(Tl), the response of SiPM array was well linear in the energy range up to 1408 keV, at which a deviation less than 2% was measured. Digital pulse shape discrimination (PSD) was implemented with an 8-bit digitizer running at 50 MSPS sampling rate and offline analysis. The signal pulses from NaI(Tl) and LiI(Eu) showed significant difference in falling edge allowing effective PSD. The best figure of merit (FOM) was measured as 4.4 ± 0.2 with optimized parameters, providing excellent PSD performance. The energy resolutions for 661.6 keV gamma rays in NaI(Tl) and thermal neutrons in LiI(Eu) were measured as 7.0 ± 0.2% and 11.2 ± 0.2% respectively, with selected PSD threshold.

Reducing Uncertainties in Neutron-Induced Fission Cross Sections Using a Time Projection Chamber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manning, Brett; Niffte Collaboration

2015-10-01

Neutron-induced fission cross sections for actinides have long been of great interest for nuclear energy and stockpile stewardship. Traditionally, measurements were performed using fission chambers which provided limited information about the detected fission events. For the case of 239Pu(n,f), sensitivity studies have shown a need for more precise measurements. Recently the Neutron Induced Fission Fragment Tracking Experiment (NIFFTE) has developed the fission Time Projection Chamber (fissionTPC) to measure fission cross sections to better than 1% uncertainty by providing 3D tracking of fission fragments. The fissionTPC collected data to calculate the 239Pu(n,f) cross section at the Weapons Neutron Research facility at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center during the 2014 run cycle. Preliminary analysis has been focused on studying particle identification and target and beam non-uniformities to reduce the uncertainty on the cross section. Additionally, the collaboration is investigating other systematic errors that could not be well studied with a traditional fission chamber. LA-UR-15-24906.

Neutron emission in 19F-induced reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acharya, Jaimin; Mukherjee, S.; Chatterjee, A.; Singh, N. L.; Ramachandran, K.; Rout, P. C.; Mahata, K.; Desai, Vishal; Mirgule, E. T.; Suryanarayana, S. V.; Nayak, B. K.; Saxena, A.; Steyn, G. F.

2018-03-01

We measured neutron emission spectra for 19F-induced reactions on 181Ta, 89Y, and 51V at beam energies of 130, 140, 145, and 150 MeV. Measurements were made using liquid scintillator detectors at eight angles in the range of 25∘-143∘ using time-of-flight and pulse-shape discrimination. A comparison has been made with alice2014 and pace4 calculations to understand the role of incomplete fusion and pre-equilibrium effects. Global predictions with alice2014 without parameter adjustment gives a fair agreement with the measured data.

Iodine-131 imaging using 284 keV photons with a small animal CZT-SPECT system dedicated to low-medium-energy photon detection.

PubMed

Kojima, Akihiro; Gotoh, Kumiko; Shimamoto, Masako; Hasegawa, Koki; Okada, Seiji

2016-02-01

Iodine-131 is widely used for radionuclide therapy because of its β-particle and for diagnostic imaging employing its principal gamma ray. Since that principal gamma ray has the relatively high energy of 364 keV, small animal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging systems may be required to possess the ability to image such higher energy photons. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of imaging I-131 using its 284 keV photons instead of its 364 keV photons in a small animal SPECT imaging system dedicated to the detection of low-medium-energy photons (below 300 keV). The imaging system used was a commercially available preclinical SPECT instrument with CZT detectors that was equipped with multi-pinhole collimators and was accompanied by a CT imager. An energy window for I-131 imaging was set to a photopeak of 284 keV with a low abundance compared with 364 keV photons. Small line sources and two mice, one of each of two types, that were injected with NaI-131 were scanned. Although higher counts occurred at the peripheral region of the reconstructed images due to the collimator penetration by the 364 keV photons, the shape of the small line sources could be well visualized. The measured spatial resolution was relatively poor (~1.9 mm for full width at half maximum and ~3.9 mm for full width at tenth maximum). However, a good linear correlation between SPECT values and the level of I-131 radioactivity was observed. Furthermore, the uptake of NaI-131 to the thyroid gland for the two mice was clearly identified in the 3D-SPECT image fused with the X-ray CT image. We conclude that the use of an energy window set on the photopeak of 284 keV and the multi-pinhole collimator may permit I-131 imaging for a preclinical CZT-SPECT system that does not have the ability to acquire images using the 364 keV photons.

Production of tritium, neutrons, and heat based on the transmission resonance model (TRM) for cold fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bush, Robert T.

1991-05-01

The TRM has recently been successful in fitting calorimetric data having interesting nonlinear structure. The model appears to provide a natural description for electrolytic cold fusion in terms of ``fractals''. Extended to the time dimension, the model can apparently account for the phenomenon of heat ``bursts''. The TRM combines a transmission condition involving quantized energies and an engergy shift of a Maxwell-Boltzmann energy distribution of deuterons at the cathodic surface that appears related to the concentration overpotential (hydrogen overvoltage). The model suggest three possible regimes vis-a-vis tritium production in terms of this energy shift, and indicates why measurable tritium production in the electrolytic case will tend to be the exception rather than the rule in absence of a recipe: Below a shift of approximately 2.8 meV there is production of both tritium and measureable excess heat, with the possibility of accounting for the Bockris curve indicating about a 1% correlation between excess heat and tritium. However, over the large range from about 2.8 meV to 340 meV energy shift there is a regime of observable excess heat production but little, and probably no measurable, tritium production. The third regime is more hypothetical: It begins at an energy shift of about 1 keV and extends to the boundaries of ``hot'' fusion at about 10 keV. A new type of nucelar reaction, trint (for transmission resonance-induced neutron transfer), is suggested by the model leading to triton and neutron production. A charge distribution ``polarization conjecture'' is the basis for theoretical derivation for the low-energy limit for an energy-dependent branching ratio for D-on-D. When the values of the parameters are inserted, this expression yields an estimate for the ratio of neutron-to-triton production of about 1.64×10-9. The possibility of some three-body reactions is also suggested. A comparison of the TRM's transmission energy levels for palladium deuteride

Spectral unfolding of fast neutron energy distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mosby, Michelle; Jackman, Kevin; Engle, Jonathan

2015-10-01

The characterization of the energy distribution of a neutron flux is difficult in experiments with constrained geometry where techniques such as time of flight cannot be used to resolve the distribution. The measurement of neutron fluxes in reactors, which often present similar challenges, has been accomplished using radioactivation foils as an indirect probe. Spectral unfolding codes use statistical methods to adjust MCNP predictions of neutron energy distributions using quantified radioactive residuals produced in these foils. We have applied a modification of this established neutron flux characterization technique to experimentally characterize the neutron flux in the critical assemblies at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) and the spallation neutron flux at the Isotope Production Facility (IPF) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Results of the unfolding procedure are presented and compared with a priori MCNP predictions, and the implications for measurements using the neutron fluxes at these facilities are discussed.

Two-neutron sequential decay of O 24

DOE PAGES

Jones, M. D.; Frank, N.; Baumann, T.; ...

2015-11-25

In this study, a two-neutron unbound excited state of 24O was populated through a (d,d') reaction at 83.4 MeV/nucleon. A state at E=715±110 (stat) ±45 (sys) keV with a width of Γ<2 MeV was observed above the two-neutron separation energy placing it at 7.65 ± 0.2 MeV with respect to the ground state. Three-body correlations for the decay of 24O → 22O + 2n show clear evidence for a sequential decay through an intermediate state in 23O. Neither a di-neutron nor phase-space model for the three-body breakup were able to describe these correlations.

Two-neutron sequential decay of O 24

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jones, M. D.; Frank, N.; Baumann, T.

In this study, a two-neutron unbound excited state of 24O was populated through a (d,d') reaction at 83.4 MeV/nucleon. A state at E=715±110 (stat) ±45 (sys) keV with a width of Γ<2 MeV was observed above the two-neutron separation energy placing it at 7.65 ± 0.2 MeV with respect to the ground state. Three-body correlations for the decay of 24O → 22O + 2n show clear evidence for a sequential decay through an intermediate state in 23O. Neither a di-neutron nor phase-space model for the three-body breakup were able to describe these correlations.

The effect of 2-[(aminopropyl)amino] ethanethiol on fission-neutron-induced DNA damage and repair.

PubMed Central

Grdina, D. J.; Sigdestad, C. P.; Dale, P. J.; Perrin, J. M.

1989-01-01

The effect(s) of the radioprotector 2-[(aminopropyl)amino] ethanethiol (WR 1065) on fission-neutron-induced DNA damage and repair in V79 Chinese hamster cells was determined by using a neutral filter elution procedure (pH 7.2). When required, WR1065, at a final working concentration of 4 mM, was added to the culture medium, either 30 min before and during irradiation with fission spectrum neutrons (beam energy of 0.85 MeV) from the JANUS research reactor, or for selected intervals of time following exposure. The frequency of neutron-induced DNA strand breaks as measured by neutral elution as a function of dose equalled that observed for 60Co gamma-ray-induced damage (relative biological effectiveness of one). In contrast to the protective effect exhibited by WR1065 in reducing 60Co-induced DNA damage, WR1065 was ineffective in reducing or protecting against induction of DNA strand breaks by JANUS neutrons. The kinetics of DNA double-strand rejoining were measured following neutron irradiation. In the absence of WR1065, considerable DNA degradation by cellular enzymes was observed. This process was inhibited when WR1065 was present. These results indicate that, under the conditions used, the quality (i.e. nature), rather than quantity, of DNA lesions (measured by neutral elution) formed by neutrons was significantly different from that formed by gamma-rays. PMID:2667608

Quality assurance of temporal variability of natural decay chain and neutron induced background for low-level NORM analysis

DOE PAGES

Yoho, Michael; Porterfield, Donivan R.; Landsberger, Sheldon

2015-09-22

In this study, twenty-one high purity germanium (HPGe) background spectra were collected over 2 years at Los Alamos National Laboratory. A quality assurance methodology was developed to monitor spectral background levels from thermal and fast neutron flux levels and naturally occurring radioactive material decay series radionuclides. 238U decay products above 222Rn demonstrated minimal temporal variability beyond that expected from counting statistics. 238U and 232Th progeny below Rn gas displayed at most twice the expected variability. Further, an analysis of the 139 keV 74Ge(n, γ) and 691 keV 72Ge(n, n') spectral features demonstrated temporal stability for both thermal and fastmore » neutron fluxes.« less

Interferometric phase-contrast X-ray CT imaging of VX2 rabbit cancer at 35keV X-ray energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeda, Tohoru; Wu, Jin; Tsuchiya, Yoshinori; Yoneyama, Akio; Lwin, Thet-Thet; Hyodo, Kazuyuki; Itai, Yuji

2004-05-01

Imaging of large objects at 17.7-keV low x-ray energy causes huge x-ray exposure to the objects even using interferometric phase-contrast x-ray CT (PCCT). Thus, we tried to obtain PCCT images at high x-ray energy of 35keV and examined the image quality using a formalin-fixed VX2 rabbit cancer specimen with 15-mm in diameter. The PCCT system consisted of an asymmetrically cut silicon (220) crystal, a monolithic x-ray interferometer, a phase-shifter, an object cell and an x-ray CCD camera. The PCCT at 35 keV clearly visualized various inner structures of VX2 rabbit cancer such as necrosis, cancer, the surrounding tumor vessels, and normal liver tissue. Besides, image-contrast was not degraded significantly. These results suggest that the PCCT at 35 KeV is sufficient to clearly depict the histopathological morphology of VX2 rabbit cancer specimen.

Fast Neutron Detection Using Pixelated CdZnTe Spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Streicher, Michael; Goodman, David; Zhu, Yuefeng; Brown, Steven; Kiff, Scott; He, Zhong

2017-07-01

Fast neutrons are an important signature of special nuclear materials (SNMs). They have a low natural background rate and readily penetrate high atomic number materials that easily shield gamma-ray signatures. Therefore, they provide a complementary signal to gamma rays for detecting shielded SNM. Scattering kinematics dictate that a large nucleus (such as Cd or Te) will recoil with small kinetic energy after an elastic collision with a fast neutron. Charge carrier recombination and quenching further reduce the recorded energy deposited. Thus, the energy threshold of CdZnTe detectors must be very low in order to sense the small signals from these recoils. In this paper, the threshold was reduced to less than 5 keVee to demonstrate that the 5.9-keV X-ray line from 55Fe could be separated from electronic noise. Elastic scattering neutron interactions were observed as small energy depositions (less than 20 keVee) using digitally sampled pulse waveforms from pixelated CdZnTe detectors. Characteristic gamma-ray lines from inelastic neutron scattering were also observed.

Trojan Horse Method for neutrons-induced reaction studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulino, M.; Asfin Collaboration

2017-09-01

Neutron-induced reactions play an important role in nuclear astrophysics in several scenario, such as primordial Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, Inhomogeneous Big Bang Nucleosynthesis, heavy-element production during the weak component of the s-process, explosive stellar nucleosynthesis. To overcome the experimental problems arising from the production of a neutron beam, the possibility to use the Trojan Horse Method to study neutron-induced reactions has been investigated. The application is of particular interest for reactions involving radioactive nuclei having short lifetime.

Actinide Sputtering Induced by Fission with Ultra-cold Neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Tan; Venuti, Michael; Fellers, Deion; Martin, Sean; Morris, Chris; Makela, Mark

2017-09-01

Understanding the effects of actinide sputtering due to nuclear fission is important for a wide range of applications, including nuclear fuel storage, space science, and national defense. A new program at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center uses ultracold neutrons (UCN) to induce fission in actinides such as uranium and plutonium. By controlling the UCN energy, it is possible to induce fission at the sample surface within a well-defined depth. It is therefore an ideal tool for studying the effects of fission-induced sputtering as a function of interaction depth. Since the mechanism for fission-induced surface damage is not well understood, this work has the potential to deconvolve the various damage mechanisms. During the irradiation with UCN, NaI detectors are used to monitor the fission events and were calibrated by monitoring fission fragments with an organic scintillator. Alpha spectroscopy of the ejected actinide material is performed in an ion chamber to determine the amount of sputtered material. Actinide samples with various sample properties and surface conditions are irradiated and analyzed. In this talk, I will discuss our experimental setup and present the preliminary results from the testing of multiple samples. This work has been supported by Los Alamos National Laboratory and Seaborg Summer Research Fellowship.

Microfabrication of a gadolinium-derived solid-state sensor for thermal neutrons

PubMed Central

Achyuthan, Komandoor E.; Allen, Matthew; Denton, Michele L. B.; Siegal, Michael P.; Manginell, Ronald P.

2017-01-01

Abstract Neutron sensing is critical in civilian and military applications. Conventional neutron sensors are limited by size, weight, cost, portability and helium supply. Here the microfabrication of gadolinium (Gd) conversion material–based heterojunction diodes for detecting thermal neutrons using electrical signals produced by internal conversion electrons (ICEs) is described. Films with negligible stress were produced at the tensile-compressive crossover point, enabling Gd coatings of any desired thickness by controlling the radiofrequency sputtering power and using the zero-point near p(Ar) of 50 mTorr at 100 W. Post-deposition Gd oxidation–induced spallation was eliminated by growing a residual stress-free 50 nm neodymium-doped aluminum cap layer atop Gd. The resultant coatings were stable for at least 6 years, demonstrating excellent stability and product shelf-life. Depositing Gd directly on the diode surface eliminated the air gap, leading to a 200-fold increase in electron capture efficiency and facilitating monolithic microfabrication. The conversion electron spectrum was dominated by ICEs with energies of 72, 132 and 174 keV. Results are reported for neutron reflection and moderation by polyethylene for enhanced sensitivity, and γ- and X-ray elimination for improved specificity. The optimal Gd thickness was 10.4 μm for a 300 μm-thick partially depleted diode of 300 mm2 active surface area. Fast detection (within 10 min) at a neutron source-to-diode distance of 11.7 cm was achieved with this configuration. All ICE energies along with γ-ray and Kα,β X-rays were modeled to emphasize correlations between experiment and theory. Semi-conductor thermal neutron detectors offer advantages for field-sensing of radioactive neutron sources. PMID:28369631

Moiré deflectometry using the Talbot-Lau interferometer as refraction diagnostic for high energy density plasmas at energies below 10 keV.

PubMed

Valdivia, M P; Stutman, D; Finkenthal, M

2014-07-01

The highly localized density gradients expected in High Energy Density (HED) plasma experiments can be characterized by x-ray phase-contrast imaging in addition to conventional attenuation radiography. Moiré deflectometry using the Talbot-Lau grating interferometer setup is an attractive HED diagnostic due to its high sensitivity to refraction induced phase shifts. We report on the adaptation of such a system for operation in the sub-10 keV range by using a combination of free standing and ultrathin Talbot gratings. This new x-ray energy explored matches well the current x-ray backlighters used for HED experiments, while also enhancing phase effects at lower electron densities. We studied the performance of the high magnification, low energy Talbot-Lau interferometer, for single image phase retrieval using Moiré fringe deflectometry. Our laboratory and simulation studies indicate that such a device is able to retrieve object electron densities from phase shift measurements. Using laboratory x-ray sources from 7 to 15 μm size we obtained accurate simultaneous measurements of refraction and attenuation for both sharp and mild electron density gradients.

Measurement of cosmic-ray muons and muon-induced neutrons in the Aberdeen Tunnel Underground Laboratory

DOE PAGES

Yeh, M.; Chan, Y. L.; Chen, X. C.; ...

2016-04-07

In this study, we have measured the muon flux and production rate of muon-induced neutrons at a depth of 611 m water equivalent. Our apparatus comprises three layers of crossed plastic scintillator hodoscopes for tracking the incident cosmic-ray muons and 760 L of a gadolinium-doped liquid scintillator for producing and detecting neutrons. The vertical muon intensity was measured to be I μ = (5.7±0.6)×10 –6 cm –2 s –1 sr –1. The yield of muon-induced neutrons in the liquid scintillator was determined to be Y n = (1.19 ± 0.08(stat) ± 0.21(syst)) × 10 –4 neutrons/(μ•g•cm –2). A fit tomore » the recently measured neutron yields at different depths gave a mean muon energy dependence of < E μ > 0.76±0.03 for liquid-scintillator targets.« less

Neutron capture cross section of ^243Am

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jandel, M.

2009-10-01

The Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was used for neutron capture cross section measurement on ^243Am. The high granularity of DANCE (160 BaF2 detectors in a 4π geometry) enables the efficient detection of prompt gamma-rays following neutron capture. DANCE is located on the 20.26 m neutron flight path 14 (FP14) at the Manuel Lujan Jr. Neutron Scattering Center at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The methods and techniques established in [1] were used for the determination of the ^243Am neutron capture cross section. The cross sections were obtained in the range of neutron energies from 0.02 eV to 400 keV. The resonance region was analyzed using SAMMY7 and resonance parameters were extracted. The results will be compared to existing evaluations and calculations. Work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy at Los Alamos National Laboratory by the Los Alamos National Security, LLC under Contract No. DE-AC52-06NA25396 and at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory by the Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344. [4pt] [1] M. Jandel et al., Phys. Rev. C78, 034609 (2008)

Materials for Low-Energy Neutron Radiation Shielding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singleterry, Robert C., Jr.; Thibeault, Sheila A.

2000-01-01

Various candidate aircraft and spacecraft materials were analyzed and compared in a low-energy neutron environment using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) transport code with an energy range up to 20 MeV. Some candidate materials have been tested in particle beams, and others seemed reasonable to analyze in this manner before deciding to test them. The two metal alloys analyzed are actual materials being designed into or used in aircraft and spacecraft today. This analysis shows that hydrogen-bearing materials have the best shielding characteristics over the metal alloys. It also shows that neutrons above 1 MeV are reflected out of the face of the slab better by larger quantities of carbon in the material. If a low-energy absorber is added to the material, fewer neutrons are transmitted through the material. Future analyses should focus on combinations of scatterers and absorbers to optimize these reaction channels and on the higher energy neutron component (above 50 MeV).

Determination of the fast-neutron-induced fission cross-section of 242Pu at nELBE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kögler, Toni; Beyer, Roland; Junghans, Arnd R.; Schwengner, Ronald; Wagner, Andreas

2018-03-01

The fast-neutron-induced fission cross section of 242Pu was determined in the energy range of 0.5 MeV to 10MeV at the neutron time-of-flight facility nELBE. Using a parallel-plate fission ionization chamber this quantity was measured relative to 235U(n,f). The number of target nuclei was thereby calculated by means of measuring the spontaneous fission rate of 242Pu. An MCNP 6 neutron transport simulation was used to correct the relative cross section for neutron scattering. The determined results are in good agreement with current experimental and evaluated data sets.

Design optimization for a wearable, gamma-ray and neutron sensitive, detector array with directionality estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayaz-Maierhafer, Birsen; Britt, Carl G.; August, Andrew J.; Qi, Hairong; Seifert, Carolyn E.; Hayward, Jason P.

2017-10-01

In this study, we report on a constrained optimization and tradeoff study of a hybrid, wearable detector array having directional sensing based upon gamma-ray occlusion. One resulting design uses CLYC detectors while the second feasibility design involves the coupling of gamma-ray-sensitive CsI scintillators and a rubber LiCaAlF6 (LiCAF) neutron detector. The detector systems' responses were investigated through simulation as a function of angle in a two-dimensional plane. The expected total counts, peak-to-total ratio, directionality performance, and detection of 40 K for accurate gain stabilization were considered in the optimization. Source directionality estimation was investigated using Bayesian algorithms. Gamma-ray energies of 122 keV, 662 keV, and 1332 keV were considered. The equivalent neutron capture response compared with 3 He was also investigated for both designs.

Impact of fission neutron energies on reactor antineutrino spectra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Littlejohn, B. R.; Conant, A.; Dwyer, D. A.; Erickson, A.; Gustafson, I.; Hermanek, K.

2018-04-01

Recent measurements of reactor-produced antineutrino fluxes and energy spectra are inconsistent with models based on measured thermal fission beta spectra. In this paper, we examine the dependence of antineutrino production on fission neutron energy. In particular, the variation of fission product yields with neutron energy has been considered as a possible source of the discrepancies between antineutrino observations and models. In simulations of low-enriched and highly-enriched reactor core designs, we find a substantial fraction of fissions (from 5% to more than 40%) are caused by nonthermal neutrons. Using tabulated evaluations of nuclear fission and decay, we estimate the variation in antineutrino emission by the prominent fission parents U 235 , Pu 239 , and Pu 241 versus neutron energy. The differences in fission neutron energy are found to produce less than 1% variation in detected antineutrino rate per fission of U 235 , Pu 239 , and Pu 241 . Corresponding variations in the antineutrino spectrum are found to be less than 10% below 7 MeV antineutrino energy, smaller than current model uncertainties. We conclude that insufficient modeling of fission neutron energy is unlikely to be the cause of the various reactor anomalies. Our results also suggest that comparisons of antineutrino measurements at low-enriched and highly-enriched reactors can safely neglect the differences in the distributions of their fission neutron energies.

Backward-forward reaction asymmetry of neutron elastic scattering on deuterium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirovano, E.; Beyer, R.; Junghans, A. R.; Nankov, N.; Nolte, R.; Nyman, M.; Plompen, A. J. M.

2017-02-01

A new measurement of the angular distribution of neutron elastic scattering on deuterium was carried out at the neutron time-of-flight facility nELBE. The backward-forward asymmetry of the reaction was investigated via the direct detection of neutrons scattered at the laboratory angle of 15∘ and 165∘ from a polyethylene sample enriched with deuterium. In order to extend the measurement to neutron energies below 1 MeV, 6Li glass scintillators were employed. The data were corrected for the background and the multiple scattering in the target, the events due to scattering on deuterium were separated from those due to carbon, and the ratio of the differential cross section at 15∘ and 165∘ was determined. The results, covering the energy range from 200 keV to 2 MeV, were found to be in agreement with the theoretical predictions calculated by Canton et al. [Eur. Phys. J. A 14, 225 (2002)], 10.1140/epja/i2001-10122-3 and by Golak et al. [Eur. Phys. J. A 50, 177 (2014)], 10.1140/epja/i2014-14177-7. The comparison with the evaluated nuclear data libraries indicated CENDL-3.1, JEFF-3.2, and JENDL-4.0 as the evaluations that best describe the asymmetry of n -d scattering. ENDF/B-VII.1 is compatible with the data for energies below 700 keV, but above the backward to forward ratio is higher than measured. ROSFOND-2010 and BROND-2.2 resulted to have little compatibility with the data.

Thermal neutron flux mapping in a head phantom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, C. L.; Zhou, X.-L.; Harmon, J. F.; Bartholomay, R. W.; Harker, Y. D.; Kudchadker, R. J.

1999-02-01

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is a binary cancer treatment modality in which a boron-containing compound is preferentially loaded into a tumor, followed by irradiation by thermal neutrons. In accelerator-based BNCT, neutrons are produced by charged particle-induced reactions such as 7Li(p, n) 7Be. For deeply seated brain tumors, epithermal (1 eV to 10 kev) neutrons are needed to penetrate the skull cap and subsequently thermalize at the tumor location. Cell damage in BNCT is caused by the high linear energy transfer (LET) products from the 10B(n, α) 7Li reaction. Because the cross section for this reaction is of 1/ v character, the dose due to 10B has essentially the same spatial distribution as the thermal neutron flux. A cylindrical acrylic head phantom (15.24 cm diameter by 21.59 cm length) has been constructed to simulate the patient's head and neck, and acrylic spacers of varying width allow placement of small (active sizes: 0.635 cm diameter by 1.27 cm length and 1.5875 cm diameter by 2.54 cm length) BF 3 proportional counters at nearly all radial and axial locations. Measurements of the thermal flux have also been benchmarked with gold and indium foils (bare and cadmium covered), as well as MCNP simulations. Measurement of the thermal neutron flux using these small BF 3 counters is shown to be adequate for experimentally determining the spatial variation of the 10B dose in head phantoms for accelerator-based BNCT.

Peeling Off Neutron Skins from Neutron-Rich Nuclei: Constraints on the Symmetry Energy from Neutron-Removal Cross Sections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aumann, T.; Bertulani, C. A.; Schindler, F.; Typel, S.

2017-12-01

An experimentally constrained equation of state of neutron-rich matter is fundamental for the physics of nuclei and the astrophysics of neutron stars, mergers, core-collapse supernova explosions, and the synthesis of heavy elements. To this end, we investigate the potential of constraining the density dependence of the symmetry energy close to saturation density through measurements of neutron-removal cross sections in high-energy nuclear collisions of 0.4 to 1 GeV /nucleon . We show that the sensitivity of the total neutron-removal cross section is high enough so that the required accuracy can be reached experimentally with the recent developments of new detection techniques. We quantify two crucial points to minimize the model dependence of the approach and to reach the required accuracy: the contribution to the cross section from inelastic scattering has to be measured separately in order to allow a direct comparison of experimental cross sections to theoretical cross sections based on density functional theory and eikonal theory. The accuracy of the reaction model should be investigated and quantified by the energy and target dependence of various nucleon-removal cross sections. Our calculations explore the dependence of neutron-removal cross sections on the neutron skin of medium-heavy neutron-rich nuclei, and we demonstrate that the slope parameter L of the symmetry energy could be constrained down to ±10 MeV by such a measurement, with a 2% accuracy of the measured and calculated cross sections.

Estimation of neutron energy distributions from prompt gamma emissions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panikkath, Priyada; Udupi, Ashwini; Sarkar, P. K.

2017-11-01

A technique of estimating the incident neutron energy distribution from emitted prompt gamma intensities from a system exposed to neutrons is presented. The emitted prompt gamma intensities or the measured photo peaks in a gamma detector are related to the incident neutron energy distribution through a convolution of the response of the system generating the prompt gammas to mono-energetic neutrons. Presently, the system studied is a cylinder of high density polyethylene (HDPE) placed inside another cylinder of borated HDPE (BHDPE) having an outer Pb-cover and exposed to neutrons. The emitted five prompt gamma peaks from hydrogen, boron, carbon and lead can be utilized to unfold the incident neutron energy distribution as an under-determined deconvolution problem. Such an under-determined set of equations are solved using the genetic algorithm based Monte Carlo de-convolution code GAMCD. Feasibility of the proposed technique is demonstrated theoretically using the Monte Carlo calculated response matrix and intensities of emitted prompt gammas from the Pb-covered BHDPE-HDPE system in the case of several incident neutron spectra spanning different energy ranges.

Constraint of the 13C(α,n) Cross Section Toward Astrophysical Energies for the Main s-Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toomey, Rebecca; Febbraro, Michael T.; Pain, Steven D.; Peters, William A.; Cizewski, Jolie A.; Havener, Charles C.; Bannister, Mark E.; Chipps, Kelly A.; Walter, David G.; Ummel, Chad C.; Sims, Harrison

2017-09-01

The slow neutron capture process (s-process) typically occurs in relatively low neutron flux environments, such as AGB stars, and is a key mechanism in heavy-element synthesis. The dominant source of neutrons for the main s-process is the 13C(α,n) reaction, which proceeds at stellar temperatures ( 0.1 GK, 200 keV), via reactions well below the Coulomb barrier. Direct measurements of the reaction rate in the Gamow window ( 140- 230 keV) is difficult, complicated by the low yields and high beam currents required. Current measurements have constrained the cross section down to approximately 320 keV - still well above stellar conditions- with significant statistical uncertainties. These uncertainties, and the influence of a near-threshold 1 /2+ state at 6.4 MeV, means that extrapolation of the data into the Gamow window is unreliable. These measurements typically use high-efficiency moderated neutron counter detectors, meaning energy information of the incident neutrons is lost. A quasi-spectroscopic approach has been used to measure the 13C(α,n) reaction rate at energies between 300-350 keV with the aim of reducing uncertainties in current measurements. Work supported in part by U.S. D.O.E., the National Science Foundation and the LDRD Program of ORNL, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC.

FAST NEUTRON SPECTROMETER USING SPACED SEMICONDUCTORS FOR MEASURING TOTAL ENERGY OF NEUTRONS CAPTURED

DOEpatents

Love, T.A.; Murray, R.B.

1964-04-14

A fast neutron spectrometer was designed, which utilizes a pair of opposed detectors having a layer of /sup 6/LiF between to produce alpha and T pair for each neutron captured to provide signals, which, when combined, constitute a measure of neutron energy. (AEC)

Energy-resolved neutron imaging for inertial confinement fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moran, M. J.; Haan, S. W.; Hatchett, S. P.; Izumi, N.; Koch, J. A.; Lerche, R. A.; Phillips, T. W.

2003-03-01

The success of the National Ignition Facility program will depend on diagnostic measurements which study the performance of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experiments. Neutron yield, fusion-burn time history, and images are examples of important diagnostics. Neutron and x-ray images will record the geometries of compressed targets during the fusion-burn process. Such images provide a critical test of the accuracy of numerical modeling of ICF experiments. They also can provide valuable information in cases where experiments produce unexpected results. Although x-ray and neutron images provide similar data, they do have significant differences. X-ray images represent the distribution of high-temperature regions where fusion occurs, while neutron images directly reveal the spatial distribution of fusion-neutron emission. X-ray imaging has the advantage of a relatively straightforward path to the imaging system design. Neutron imaging, by using energy-resolved detection, offers the intriguing advantage of being able to provide independent images of burning and nonburning regions of the nuclear fuel. The usefulness of energy-resolved neutron imaging depends on both the information content of the data and on the quality of the data that can be recorded. The information content will relate to the characteristic neutron spectra that are associated with emission from different regions of the source. Numerical modeling of ICF fusion burn will be required to interpret the corresponding energy-dependent images. The exercise will be useful only if the images can be recorded with sufficient definition to reveal the spatial and energy-dependent features of interest. Several options are being evaluated with respect to the feasibility of providing the desired simultaneous spatial and energy resolution.

Slowing down of 100 keV antiprotons in Al foils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordlund, K.

2018-03-01

Using energy degrading foils to slow down antiprotons is of interest for producing antihydrogen atoms. I consider here the slowing down of 100 keV antiprotons, that will be produced in the ELENA storage ring under construction at CERN, to energies below 10 keV. At these low energies, they are suitable for efficient antihydrogen production. I simulate the antihydrogen motion and slowing down in Al foils using a recently developed molecular dynamics approach. The results show that the optimal Al foil thickness for slowing down the antiprotons to below 5 keV is 910 nm, and to below 10 keV is 840 nm. Also the lateral spreading of the transmitted antiprotons is reported and the uncertainties discussed.

Initial observations of cavitation-induced erosion of liquid metal spallation target vessels at the Spallation Neutron Source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McClintock, David A; Riemer, Bernie; Ferguson, Phillip D

2012-01-01

During operation of the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory the mechanical properties of the AISI 316L target module are altered by high-energy neutron and proton radiation. The interior surfaces of the target vessel are also damaged by cavitation-induced erosion, which results from repetitive rapid heating of the liquid mercury by high-energy proton beam pulses. Until recently no observations of cavitation-induced erosion were possible for conditions prototypical to the SNS. Post irradiation examination (PIE) of the first and second operational SNS targets was performed to gain insight into the radiation-induced changes in mechanical properties of the 316Lmore » target material and the extent of cavitation-induced erosion to the target vessel inner surfaces. Observations of cavitation-induced erosion of the first and second operational SNS target modules are presented here, including images of the target vessel interiors and specimens removed from the target beam-entrance regions.« less

Effect of neutron energy and fluence on deuterium retention behaviour in neutron irradiated tungsten

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujita, Hiroe; Yuyama, Kenta; Li, Xiaochun; Hatano, Yuji; Toyama, Takeshi; Ohta, Masayuki; Ochiai, Kentaro; Yoshida, Naoaki; Chikada, Takumi; Oya, Yasuhisa

2016-02-01

Deuterium (D) retention behaviours for 14 MeV neutron irradiated tungsten (W) and fission neutron irradiated W were evaluated by thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) to elucidate the correlation between D retention and defect formation by different energy distributions of neutrons in W at the initial stage of fusion reactor operation. These results were compared with that for Fe2+ irradiated W with various damage concentrations. Although dense vacancies and voids within the shallow region near the surface were introduced by Fe2+ irradiation, single vacancies with low concentration were distributed throughout the sample for 14 MeV neutron irradiated W. Only the dislocation loops were introduced by fission neutron irradiation at low neutron fluence. The desorption peak of D for fission neutron irradiated W was concentrated at low temperature region less than 550 K, but that for 14 MeV neutron irradiated W was extended toward the higher temperature side due to D trapping by vacancies. It can be said that the neutron energy distribution could have a large impact on irradiation defect formation and the D retention behaviour.

Precision determination of absolute neutron flux

DOE PAGES

Yue, A. T.; Anderson, E. S.; Dewey, M. S.; ...

2018-06-08

A technique for establishing the total neutron rate of a highly-collimated monochromatic cold neutron beam was demonstrated using an alpha–gamma counter. The method involves only the counting of measured rates and is independent of neutron cross sections, decay chain branching ratios, and neutron beam energy. For the measurement, a target of 10B-enriched boron carbide totally absorbed the neutrons in a monochromatic beam, and the rate of absorbed neutrons was determined by counting 478 keV gamma rays from neutron capture on 10B with calibrated high-purity germanium detectors. A second measurement based on Bragg diffraction from a perfect silicon crystal was performedmore » to determine the mean de Broglie wavelength of the beam to a precision of 0.024%. With these measurements, the detection efficiency of a neutron monitor based on neutron absorption on 6Li was determined to an overall uncertainty of 0.058%. We discuss the principle of the alpha–gamma method and present details of how the measurement was performed including the systematic effects. We further describe how this method may be used for applications in neutron dosimetry and metrology, fundamental neutron physics, and neutron cross section measurements.« less

Precision determination of absolute neutron flux

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yue, A. T.; Anderson, E. S.; Dewey, M. S.

A technique for establishing the total neutron rate of a highly-collimated monochromatic cold neutron beam was demonstrated using an alpha–gamma counter. The method involves only the counting of measured rates and is independent of neutron cross sections, decay chain branching ratios, and neutron beam energy. For the measurement, a target of 10B-enriched boron carbide totally absorbed the neutrons in a monochromatic beam, and the rate of absorbed neutrons was determined by counting 478 keV gamma rays from neutron capture on 10B with calibrated high-purity germanium detectors. A second measurement based on Bragg diffraction from a perfect silicon crystal was performedmore » to determine the mean de Broglie wavelength of the beam to a precision of 0.024%. With these measurements, the detection efficiency of a neutron monitor based on neutron absorption on 6Li was determined to an overall uncertainty of 0.058%. We discuss the principle of the alpha–gamma method and present details of how the measurement was performed including the systematic effects. We further describe how this method may be used for applications in neutron dosimetry and metrology, fundamental neutron physics, and neutron cross section measurements.« less

Progress in obtaining an absolute calibration of a total deuterium-tritium neutron yield diagnostic based on copper activationa)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz, C. L.; Chandler, G. A.; Cooper, G. W.; Fehl, D. L.; Hahn, K. D.; Leeper, R. J.; McWatters, B. R.; Nelson, A. J.; Smelser, R. M.; Snow, C. S.; Torres, J. A.

2012-10-01

The 350-keV Cockroft-Walton accelerator at Sandia National laboratory's Ion Beam facility is being used to calibrate absolutely a total DT neutron yield diagnostic based on the 63Cu(n,2n)62Cu(β+) reaction. These investigations have led to first-order uncertainties approaching 5% or better. The experiments employ the associated-particle technique. Deuterons at 175 keV impinge a 2.6 μm thick erbium tritide target producing 14.1 MeV neutrons from the T(d,n)4He reaction. The alpha particles emitted are measured at two angles relative to the beam direction and used to infer the neutron flux on a copper sample. The induced 62Cu activity is then measured and related to the neutron flux. This method is known as the F-factor technique. Description of the associated-particle method, copper sample geometries employed, and the present estimates of the uncertainties to the F-factor obtained are given.

Progress in obtaining an absolute calibration of a total deuterium-tritium neutron yield diagnostic based on copper activation.

PubMed

Ruiz, C L; Chandler, G A; Cooper, G W; Fehl, D L; Hahn, K D; Leeper, R J; McWatters, B R; Nelson, A J; Smelser, R M; Snow, C S; Torres, J A

2012-10-01

The 350-keV Cockroft-Walton accelerator at Sandia National laboratory's Ion Beam facility is being used to calibrate absolutely a total DT neutron yield diagnostic based on the (63)Cu(n,2n)(62)Cu(β+) reaction. These investigations have led to first-order uncertainties approaching 5% or better. The experiments employ the associated-particle technique. Deuterons at 175 keV impinge a 2.6 μm thick erbium tritide target producing 14.1 MeV neutrons from the T(d,n)(4)He reaction. The alpha particles emitted are measured at two angles relative to the beam direction and used to infer the neutron flux on a copper sample. The induced (62)Cu activity is then measured and related to the neutron flux. This method is known as the F-factor technique. Description of the associated-particle method, copper sample geometries employed, and the present estimates of the uncertainties to the F-factor obtained are given.

DANCE : a 4[pi] barium fluoride detector for measuring neutron capture on unstable nuclei /.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ullmann, J. L.; Haight, Robert C.; Hunt, L. F.

2002-01-01

Measurements of neutron capture on unstable nuclei are important for studies of s-process nucleosynthesis, nuclear waste transmutation, and stewardship science. A 160-element, 4{pi} barium fluoride detector array, and associated neutron flight path, is being constructed to make capture measurements at the moderated neutron spallation source at LANSCE. Measurements can be made on as little as 1 mg of sample material over energies from near thermal to near 100 keV. The design of the DANCE array is described and neutron flux measurements from flight path commissioning are shown. The array is expected to be complete by the end of 2002.

METHOD OF MEASURING THE INTEGRATED ENERGY OUTPUT OF A NEUTRONIC CHAIN REACTOR

DOEpatents

Sturm, W.J.

1958-12-01

A method is presented for measuring the integrated energy output of a reactor conslsting of the steps of successively irradiating calibrated thin foils of an element, such as gold, which is rendered radioactive by exposure to neutron flux for periods of time not greater than one-fifth the mean life of the induced radioactlvity and producing an indication of the radioactivity induced in each foil, each foil belng introduced into the reactor immediately upon removal of its predecessor.

Fast neutron measurements with 7Li and 6Li enriched CLYC scintillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giaz, A.; Blasi, N.; Boiano, C.; Brambilla, S.; Camera, F.; Cattadori, C.; Ceruti, S.; Gramegna, F.; Marchi, T.; Mattei, I.; Mentana, A.; Million, B.; Pellegri, L.; Rebai, M.; Riboldi, S.; Salamida, F.; Tardocchi, M.

2016-07-01

The recently developed Cs2LiYCl6:Ce (CLYC) crystals are interesting scintillation detectors not only for their gamma energy resolution (<5% at 662 keV) but also for their capability to identify and measure the energy of both gamma rays and fast/thermal neutrons. The thermal neutrons were detected by the 6Li(n,α)t reaction while for the fast neutrons the 35Cl(n,p)35S and 35Cl(n,α)32P neutron-capture reactions were exploited. The energy of the outgoing proton or α particle scales linearly with the incident neutron energy. The kinetic energy of the fast neutrons can be measured using both the Time Of Flight (TOF) technique and using the CLYC energy signal. In this work, the response to monochromatic fast neutrons (1.9-3.8 MeV) of two CLYC 1″×1″ crystals was measured using both the TOF and the energy signal. The observables were combined to identify fast neutrons, to subtract the thermal neutron background and to identify different fast neutron-capture reactions on 35Cl, in other words to understand if the detected particle is an α or a proton. We performed a dedicated measurement at the CN accelerator facility of the INFN Legnaro National Laboratories (Italy), where the fast neutrons were produced by impinging a proton beam (4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 MeV) on a 7LiF target. We tested a CLYC detector 6Li-enriched at about 95%, which is ideal for thermal neutron measurements, in parallel with another CLYC detector 7Li-enriched at more than 99%, which is suitable for fast neutron measurements.

Method for Monitoring of Neutron Fields near High-Energy Accelerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beskrovnaia, L. G.; Guseva, S. V.; Timoshenko, G. N.

2018-05-01

The monitoring of neutron radiation from high-energy accelerators cannot fully rely on the standard dosimeters and radiometers manufactured in Russia, since these are sensitive only to neutrons with energies below some 10 MeV. This is because neutrons of higher energies can significantly contribute to the personnel doses both close to the accelerator shield and in the neutron multiscattered field around the shield. In this paper, we propose to measure the ambient neutron dose in energy range 10-2 MeV to 1 GeV with a device consisting of two polyethylene balls with diameters of 3 and 10 in. housing slow-neutron detectors. The larger ball also comprises a lead converter (10'' + Pb). This device can be implemented in zonal radiation monitoring in the near-accelerator area.

Low-energy nuclear reactions in crystal structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagulya, A. V.; Dalkarov, O. D.; Negodaev, M. A.; Rusetskii, A. S.

2017-09-01

Results of studying low-energy nuclear reactions at the HELIS facility (LPI) are presented. Investigations of yields from DD reactions in deuterated crystal structures at deuteron energies of 10 to 25 keV show a considerable enhancement effect. It is shown that exposure of the deuterated targets to the H+ (proton) and Ne+ beams with energies from 10 to 25 keV and an X-ray beam with the energy of 20 to 30 keV stimulates DD reaction yields. For the CVD diamond target, it is shown that its orientation with respect to the deuteron beam affects the neutron yield. The D+ beam is shown to cause much higher heat release in the TiDx target than the H+ and Ne+ beams, and this heat release depends on the deuterium concentration in the target and the current density of the deuteron beam.

Microfabrication of a gadolinium-derived solid-state sensor for thermal neutrons

DOE PAGES

Pfeifer, Kent B.; Achyuthan, Komandoor E.; Allen, Matthew; ...

2017-03-25

Neutron sensing is critical in civilian and military applications. Conventional neutron sensors are limited by size, weight, cost, portability and helium supply. Here in this study, the microfabrication of gadolinium (Gd) conversion material–based heterojunction diodes for detecting thermal neutrons using electrical signals produced by internal conversion electrons (ICEs) is described. Films with negligible stress were produced at the tensile-compressive crossover point, enabling Gd coatings of any desired thickness by controlling the radiofrequency sputtering power and using the zero-point near p(Ar) of 50 mTorr at 100 W. Post-deposition Gd oxidation–induced spallation was eliminated by growing a residual stress-free 50 nm neodymium-dopedmore » aluminum cap layer atop Gd. The resultant coatings were stable for at least 6 years, demonstrating excellent stability and product shelf-life. Depositing Gd directly on the diode surface eliminated the air gap, leading to a 200-fold increase in electron capture efficiency and facilitating monolithic microfabrication. The conversion electron spectrum was dominated by ICEs with energies of 72, 132 and 174 keV. Results are reported for neutron reflection and moderation by polyethylene for enhanced sensitivity, and γ- and X-ray elimination for improved specificity. The optimal Gd thickness was 10.4 μm for a 300 μm-thick partially depleted diode of 300 mm 2 active surface area. Fast detection (within 10 min) at a neutron source-to-diode distance of 11.7 cm was achieved with this configuration. All ICE energies along with γ-ray and K α,β X-rays were modeled to emphasize correlations between experiment and theory. Semi-conductor thermal neutron detectors offer advantages for field-sensing of radioactive neutron sources.« less

Microfabrication of a gadolinium-derived solid-state sensor for thermal neutrons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pfeifer, Kent B.; Achyuthan, Komandoor E.; Allen, Matthew

Neutron sensing is critical in civilian and military applications. Conventional neutron sensors are limited by size, weight, cost, portability and helium supply. Here in this study, the microfabrication of gadolinium (Gd) conversion material–based heterojunction diodes for detecting thermal neutrons using electrical signals produced by internal conversion electrons (ICEs) is described. Films with negligible stress were produced at the tensile-compressive crossover point, enabling Gd coatings of any desired thickness by controlling the radiofrequency sputtering power and using the zero-point near p(Ar) of 50 mTorr at 100 W. Post-deposition Gd oxidation–induced spallation was eliminated by growing a residual stress-free 50 nm neodymium-dopedmore » aluminum cap layer atop Gd. The resultant coatings were stable for at least 6 years, demonstrating excellent stability and product shelf-life. Depositing Gd directly on the diode surface eliminated the air gap, leading to a 200-fold increase in electron capture efficiency and facilitating monolithic microfabrication. The conversion electron spectrum was dominated by ICEs with energies of 72, 132 and 174 keV. Results are reported for neutron reflection and moderation by polyethylene for enhanced sensitivity, and γ- and X-ray elimination for improved specificity. The optimal Gd thickness was 10.4 μm for a 300 μm-thick partially depleted diode of 300 mm 2 active surface area. Fast detection (within 10 min) at a neutron source-to-diode distance of 11.7 cm was achieved with this configuration. All ICE energies along with γ-ray and K α,β X-rays were modeled to emphasize correlations between experiment and theory. Semi-conductor thermal neutron detectors offer advantages for field-sensing of radioactive neutron sources.« less

Cross Section Measurements of the 76Ge (n ,n' γ) Reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crider, B. P.; Peters, E. E.; Prados-Estévez, F. M.; Ross, T. J.; McEllistrem, M. T.; Yates, S. W.; Vanhoy, J. R.

2013-10-01

Neutrinoless double-beta decay (0 νββ) is a topic of great current interest and, as such, is the focus of several experiments and international collaborations. Two of these experiments, Majorana and GERDA, are seeking evidence of 0 νββ in the decay of 76Ge, where the signal would appear as a sharp peak in the energy spectrum at the Q-value of the reaction plus a small amount of recoil energy, or 2039 keV. Due to the high sensitivity of such a measurement, knowledge of background lines is critical. A study of 76Ga β- decay into 76Ge revealed a 2040.70(25)-keV transition from the 3951.70(14)-keV level, which, if populated, could potentially be a background line of concern. In addition to β- decay from 76Ga, a potential population mechanism could be cosmic-ray-induced inelastic neutron scattering. Measurements of the neutron-induced cross section of the 3951.70-keV level have been performed utilizing the 76 Ge (n ,n' γ) reaction at the University of Kentucky at neutron energies ranging from 4.3 to 4.9 MeV. This material is based upon work is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under grant no. PHY-0956310.

Measurement of Activation Cross Sections Producing Short-Lived Nuclei with Pulsed Neutron Beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shimizu, Toshiaki; Arakita, Kazumasa; Miyazaki, Itaru; Shibata, Michihiro; Kawade, Kiyoshi; Hori, Jun-ichi; Ochiai, Kentaro; Nishitani, Takeo

2005-05-01

Activation cross sections for the (n, n') reaction were measured by means of the activation method at the neutron energies of 3.1 and 2.54 MeV by using a pulsed neutron beam. Target nuclei were 79Br, 90Zr, 197Au, and 207Pb, whose half-lives were between 0.8 and 8 s. The cross section for the 90Zr (n, n') 90mZr reaction was obtained for the first time in this energy range. The d-D neutrons were generated by bombarding a deuterated titanium target with a 350-keV d+ beam at the 80-degree beam line of the Fusion Neutronics Source at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute. In order to obtain reliable activation cross sections, careful attention was paid to correct the efficiency for a volume source, and the self-absorption of gamma rays in an irradiated sample. The systematics of the (n, n') reaction at the neutron energy of 3.1 MeV, which could be predicted within an accuracy of 50%, was proposed on the basis of our data.

Comparing Solar-Flare Acceleration of >-20 MeV Protons and Electrons Above Various Energies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shih, Albert Y.

2010-01-01

A large fraction (up to tens of percent) of the energy released in solar flares goes into accelerated ions and electrons, and studies indicate that these two populations have comparable energy content. RHESSI observations have shown a striking close linear correlation between the 2.223 MeV neutron-capture gamma-ray line and electron bremsstrahlung emission >300 keV, indicating that the flare acceleration of >^20 MeV protons and >300 keV electrons is roughly proportional over >3 orders of magnitude in fluence. We show that the correlations of neutron-capture line fluence with GOES class or with bremsstrahlung emission at lower energies show deviations from proportionality, primarily for flares with lower fluences. From analyzing thirteen flares, we demonstrate that there appear to be two classes of flares with high-energy acceleration: flares that exhibit only proportional acceleration of ions and electrons down to 50 keV and flares that have an additional soft, low-energy bremsstrahlung component, suggesting two separate populations of accelerated electrons. We use RHESSI spectroscopy and imaging to investigate a number of these flares in detail.

Measurement and analysis of the 241Am neutron capture cross section at the n_TOF facility at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendoza, E.; Cano-Ott, D.; Altstadt, S.; Andriamonje, S.; Andrzejewski, J.; Audouin, L.; Balibrea, J.; Bécares, V.; Barbagallo, M.; Bečvář, F.; Belloni, F.; Berthier, B.; Berthoumieux, E.; Billowes, J.; Bosnar, D.; Brugger, M.; Calviño, F.; Calviani, M.; Carrapiço, C.; Cerutti, F.; Chiaveri, E.; Chin, M.; Colonna, N.; Cortés, G.; Cortés-Giraldo, M. A.; Diakaki, M.; Dillmann, I.; Domingo-Pardo, C.; Durán, I.; Dzysiuk, N.; Eleftheriadis, C.; Ferrari, A.; Fraval, K.; Furman, V.; Gómez-Hornillos, M. B.; Ganesan, S.; García, A. R.; Giubrone, G.; Gonçalves, I. F.; González, E.; Goverdovski, A.; Gramegna, F.; Griesmayer, E.; Guerrero, C.; Gunsing, F.; Gurusamy, P.; Heftrich, T.; Heinitz, S.; Hernández-Prieto, A.; Heyse, J.; Jenkins, D. G.; Jericha, E.; Käppeler, F.; Kadi, Y.; Karadimos, D.; Katabuchi, T.; Ketlerov, V.; Khryachkov, V.; Koehler, P.; Kokkoris, M.; Kroll, J.; Krtička, M.; Lampoudis, C.; Langer, C.; Leal-Cidoncha, E.; Lederer, C.; Leeb, H.; Leong, L. S.; Lerendegui-Marco, J.; Licata, M.; López, D.; Losito, R.; Manousos, A.; Marganiec, J.; Martínez, T.; Massimi, C.; Mastinu, P.; Mastromarco, M.; Mengoni, A.; Milazzo, P. M.; Mingrone, F.; Mirea, M.; Mondelaers, W.; Paradela, C.; Pavlik, A.; Perkowski, J.; Plompen, A. J. M.; Praena, J.; Quesada, J. M.; Rauscher, T.; Reifarth, R.; Riego-Perez, A.; Robles, M.; Roman, F.; Rubbia, C.; Ryan, J. A.; Sabaté-Gilarte, M.; Sarmento, R.; Saxena, A.; Schillebeeckx, P.; Schmidt, S.; Schumann, D.; Sedyshev, P.; Tagliente, G.; Tain, J. L.; Tarifeño-Saldivia, A.; Tarrío, D.; Tassan-Got, L.; Tsinganis, A.; Valenta, S.; Vannini, G.; Variale, V.; Vaz, P.; Ventura, A.; Vermeulen, M. J.; Versaci, R.; Vlachoudis, V.; Vlastou, R.; Wallner, A.; Ware, T.; Weigand, M.; Weiss, C.; Wright, T.; Žugec, P.; n TOF Collaboration

2018-05-01

The 241Am(n ,γ ) cross section has been measured at the n_TOF facility at CERN with the n_TOF BaF2 Total Absorption Calorimeter in the energy range between 0.2 eV and 10 keV. Our results are analyzed as resolved resonances up to 700 eV, allowing a more detailed description of the cross section than in the current evaluations, which contain resolved resonances only up to 150-160 eV. The cross section in the unresolved resonance region is perfectly consistent with the predictions based on the average resonance parameters deduced from the resolved resonances, thus obtaining a consistent description of the cross section in the full neutron energy range under study. Below 20 eV, our results are in reasonable agreement with JEFF-3.2 as well as with the most recent direct measurements of the resonance integral, and differ up to 20-30% with other experimental data. Between 20 eV and 1 keV, the disagreement with other experimental data and evaluations gradually decreases, in general, with the neutron energy. Above 1 keV, we find compatible results with previously existing values.

NeutronSTARS: A segmented neutron and charged particle detector for low-energy reaction studies

DOE PAGES

Akindele, O. A.; Casperson, R. J.; Wang, B. S.; ...

2017-08-10

NeutronSTARS (Neutron-S ilicon T elescope A rray for R eaction S tudies) consists of 2.2-tons of gadolinium-doped liquid scintillator for neutron detection and large area silicon detectors for charged particle identification. This detector array is intended for low-energy-nuclear-reaction measurements that result in the emission of neutrons such as and fission. This paper describes the NeutronSTARS experimental setup, calibration, and the array’s response to neutral and charged particles.

Neutron-induced fission cross section measurements for uranium isotopes 236U and 234U at LANSCE

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laptev, A. B.; Tovesson, F.; Hill, T. S.

2013-04-01

A well established program of neutron-induced fission cross section measurement at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) is supporting the Fuel Cycle Research program (FC R&D). The incident neutron energy range spans from sub-thermal up to 200 MeV by combining two LANSCE facilities, the Lujan Center and the Weapons Neutron Research facility (WNR). The time-of-flight method is implemented to measure the incident neutron energy. A parallel-plate fission ionization chamber was used as a fission fragment detector. The event rate ratio between the investigated foil and a standard 235U foil is converted into a fission cross section ratio. In addition to previously measured data new measurements include 236U data which is being analyzed, and 234U data acquired in the 2011-2012 LANSCE run cycle. The new data complete the full suite of Uranium isotopes which were investigated with this experimental approach. Obtained data are presented in comparison with existing evaluations and previous data.

Reaction mechanism interplay in determining the biological effectiveness of neutrons as a function of energy.

PubMed

Baiocco, G; Alloni, D; Babini, G; Mariotti, L; Ottolenghi, A

2015-09-01

Neutron relative biological effectiveness (RBE) is found to be energy dependent, being maximal for energies ∼1 MeV. This is reflected in the choice of radiation weighting factors wR for radiation protection purposes. In order to trace back the physical origin of this behaviour, a detailed study of energy deposition processes with their full dependences is necessary. In this work, the Monte Carlo transport code PHITS was used to characterise main secondary products responsible for energy deposition in a 'human-sized' soft tissue spherical phantom, irradiated by monoenergetic neutrons with energies around the maximal RBE/wR. Thereafter, results on the microdosimetric characterisation of secondary protons were used as an input to track structure calculations performed with PARTRAC, thus evaluating the corresponding DNA damage induction. Within the proposed simplified approach, evidence is suggested for a relevant role of secondary protons in inducing the maximal biological effectiveness for 1 MeV neutrons. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Moiré deflectometry using the Talbot-Lau interferometer as refraction diagnostic for High Energy Density plasmas at energies below 10 keV

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Valdivia, M. P.; Stutman, D.; Finkenthal, M.

2014-07-15

The highly localized density gradients expected in High Energy Density (HED) plasma experiments can be characterized by x-ray phase-contrast imaging in addition to conventional attenuation radiography. Moiré deflectometry using the Talbot-Lau grating interferometer setup is an attractive HED diagnostic due to its high sensitivity to refraction induced phase shifts. We report on the adaptation of such a system for operation in the sub-10 keV range by using a combination of free standing and ultrathin Talbot gratings. This new x-ray energy explored matches well the current x-ray backlighters used for HED experiments, while also enhancing phase effects at lower electron densities.more » We studied the performance of the high magnification, low energy Talbot-Lau interferometer, for single image phase retrieval using Moiré fringe deflectometry. Our laboratory and simulation studies indicate that such a device is able to retrieve object electron densities from phase shift measurements. Using laboratory x-ray sources from 7 to 15 μm size we obtained accurate simultaneous measurements of refraction and attenuation for both sharp and mild electron density gradients.« less

Simulation study of accelerator based quasi-mono-energetic epithermal neutron beams for BNCT.

PubMed

Adib, M; Habib, N; Bashter, I I; El-Mesiry, M S; Mansy, M S

2016-01-01

Filtered neutron techniques were applied to produce quasi-mono-energetic neutron beams in the energy range of 1.5-7.5 keV at the accelerator port using the generated neutron spectrum from a Li (p, n) Be reaction. A simulation study was performed to characterize the filter components and transmitted beam lines. The feature of the filtered beams is detailed in terms of optimal thickness of the primary and additive components. A computer code named "QMNB-AS" was developed to carry out the required calculations. The filtered neutron beams had high purity and intensity with low contamination from the accompanying thermal, fast neutrons and γ-rays. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurement of the neutron capture resonances for platinum using the Ge spectrometer and pulsed neutron beam at the J-PARC/MLF/ANNRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kino, Koichi; Hasemi, Hiroyuki; Kimura, Atsushi; Kiyanagi, Yoshiaki

2017-09-01

The neutron capture cross-section for platinum was measured at J-PARC/MLF/ANNRI. The intense pulsed neutron beam was impinging on a natural platinum foil sample and the emitted prompt γ-rays were detected by a Ge spectrometer. The peak energies of the low energy resonances for natural platinum are consistent with those of the JEFF-3.1.2, RUSFOND2010 and next-JENDL data libraries except for the 20-eV resonance. The resonance cross-sections of the next-JENDL library do not contradict the present measurements within the uncertainty of the absolute value of the present work. We analysed the prompt γ-ray spectrum and found a clear 7921.93 keV peak that originates from the transition from the 196Pt compound state to its ground state. The neutron capture cross-section for 195Pt was obtained by choosing events of this peak. The peak energies of most of the low energy resonances are almost consistent with those of the RUSFOND2010 and next-JENDL libraries. However, there was a disagreement for the 20-eV resonance.

Symmetry Parameter Constraints from a Lower Bound on Neutron-matter Energy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tews, Ingo; Lattimer, James M.; Ohnishi, Akira

We propose the existence of a lower bound on the energy of pure neutron matter (PNM) on the basis of unitary-gas considerations. We discuss its justification from experimental studies of cold atoms as well as from theoretical studies of neutron matter. We demonstrate that this bound results in limits to the density-dependent symmetry energy, which is the difference between the energies of symmetric nuclear matter and PNM. In particular, this bound leads to a lower limit to the volume symmetry energy parameter S {sub 0}. In addition, for assumed values of S {sub 0} above this minimum, this bound impliesmore » both upper and lower limits to the symmetry energy slope parameter L , which describes the lowest-order density dependence of the symmetry energy. A lower bound on neutron-matter incompressibility is also obtained. These bounds are found to be consistent with both recent calculations of the energies of PNM and constraints from nuclear experiments. Our results are significant because several equations of state that are currently used in astrophysical simulations of supernovae and neutron star mergers, as well as in nuclear physics simulations of heavy-ion collisions, have symmetry energy parameters that violate these bounds. Furthermore, below the nuclear saturation density, the bound on neutron-matter energies leads to a lower limit to the density-dependent symmetry energy, which leads to upper limits to the nuclear surface symmetry parameter and the neutron-star crust–core boundary. We also obtain a lower limit to the neutron-skin thicknesses of neutron-rich nuclei. Above the nuclear saturation density, the bound on neutron-matter energies also leads to an upper limit to the symmetry energy, with implications for neutron-star cooling via the direct Urca process.« less

Symmetry Parameter Constraints from a Lower Bound on Neutron-matter Energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tews, Ingo; Lattimer, James M.; Ohnishi, Akira; Kolomeitsev, Evgeni E.

2017-10-01

We propose the existence of a lower bound on the energy of pure neutron matter (PNM) on the basis of unitary-gas considerations. We discuss its justification from experimental studies of cold atoms as well as from theoretical studies of neutron matter. We demonstrate that this bound results in limits to the density-dependent symmetry energy, which is the difference between the energies of symmetric nuclear matter and PNM. In particular, this bound leads to a lower limit to the volume symmetry energy parameter S 0. In addition, for assumed values of S 0 above this minimum, this bound implies both upper and lower limits to the symmetry energy slope parameter L ,which describes the lowest-order density dependence of the symmetry energy. A lower bound on neutron-matter incompressibility is also obtained. These bounds are found to be consistent with both recent calculations of the energies of PNM and constraints from nuclear experiments. Our results are significant because several equations of state that are currently used in astrophysical simulations of supernovae and neutron star mergers, as well as in nuclear physics simulations of heavy-ion collisions, have symmetry energy parameters that violate these bounds. Furthermore, below the nuclear saturation density, the bound on neutron-matter energies leads to a lower limit to the density-dependent symmetry energy, which leads to upper limits to the nuclear surface symmetry parameter and the neutron-star crust-core boundary. We also obtain a lower limit to the neutron-skin thicknesses of neutron-rich nuclei. Above the nuclear saturation density, the bound on neutron-matter energies also leads to an upper limit to the symmetry energy, with implications for neutron-star cooling via the direct Urca process.

Measurement of the low-energy quenching factor in germanium using an Y 88 / Be photoneutron source

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scholz, B. J.; Chavarria, A. E.; Collar, J. I.

2016-12-01

We employ an 88Y/Be photoneutron source to derive the quenching factor for neutron-induced nuclear recoils in germanium, probing recoil energies from a few hundred eVnr to 8.5 keV nr. A comprehensive Monte Carlo simulation of our setup is compared to experimental data employing a Lindhard model with a free electronic energy loss k and an adiabatic correction for sub-keVnr nuclear recoils. The best fit k=0.179±0.001 obtained using a Monte Carlo Markov chain (MCMC) ensemble sampler is in good agreement with previous measurements, confirming the adequacy of the Lindhard model to describe the stopping of few-keV ions in germanium crystals at a temperaturemore » of ~77 K. This value of k corresponds to a quenching factor of 13.7% to 25.3% for nuclear recoil energies between 0.3 and 8.5 keV nr, respectively.« less

Characterization of Neutron-Induced Defects in Isotopically Enriched Lithium Tetraborate

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-03-01

that efficiently captures and transmutes neutrons into more readily detected forms of material or energy. Neutron detection is desirable to detect...be used to transmute neutrons into a more readily detectable particle or energy. Upon absorbing a thermal neutron, 6Li undergoes the reaction, 6 1...both 6Li and 10B in natural abundances unless deliberately enriched. In addition to the direct reactions, 6Li or 7Li and 16O can transmute neutrons

Study on induced radioactivity of China Spallation Neutron Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Qing-Biao; Wang, Qing-Bin; Wu, Jing-Min; Ma, Zhong-Jian

2011-06-01

China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) is the first High Energy Intense Proton Accelerator planned to be constructed in China during the State Eleventh Five-Year Plan period, whose induced radioactivity is very important for occupational disease hazard assessment and environmental impact assessment. Adopting the FLUKA code, the authors have constructed a cylinder-tunnel geometric model and a line-source sampling physical model, deduced proper formulas to calculate air activation, and analyzed various issues with regard to the activation of different tunnel parts. The results show that the environmental impact resulting from induced activation is negligible, whereas the residual radiation in the tunnels has a great influence on maintenance personnel, so strict measures should be adopted.

Radial Flux Distribution of Low-Energy Neutrons.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Higinbotham, J.

1979-01-01

Describes an experiment designed to illustrate the basic principle involved in the process of moderation of fast neutrons by water, and the monitoring of the low-energy neutron flux using indium as a probe. (GA)

Neutron-induced single event burnout in high voltage electronics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Normand, E.; Wert, J.L.; Oberg, D.L.

Energetic neutrons with an atmospheric neutron spectrum, which were demonstrated to induce single event burnout in power MOSFETs, have been shown to induce burnout in high voltage (>3,000V) electronics when operated at voltages as low as 50% of rated voltage. The laboratory failure rates correlate well with field failure rates measured in Europe.

Angular distribution of γ rays from neutron-induced compound states of 140La

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okudaira, T.; Takada, S.; Hirota, K.; Kimura, A.; Kitaguchi, M.; Koga, J.; Nagamoto, K.; Nakao, T.; Okada, A.; Sakai, K.; Shimizu, H. M.; Yamamoto, T.; Yoshioka, T.

2018-03-01

The angular distribution of individual γ rays, emitted from a neutron-induced compound-nuclear state via radiative capture reaction of 139La(n ,γ ) has been studied as a function of incident neutron energy in the epithermal region by using germanium detectors. An asymmetry ALH was defined as (NL-NH) /(NL+NH) , where NL and NH are integrals of low- and high-energy region of a neutron resonance respectively, and we found that ALH has the angular dependence of (A cosθγ+B ) , where θγ is the emitted angle of γ rays, with A =-0.3881 ±0.0236 and B =-0.0747 ±0.0105 in 0.74 eV p -wave resonance. This angular distribution was analyzed within the framework of interference between s - and p -wave amplitudes in the entrance channel to the compound-nuclear state, and it is interpreted as the value of the partial p -wave neutron width corresponding to the total angular momentum of the incident neutron combined with the weak matrix element, in the context of the mechanism of enhanced parity-violating effects. Additionally, we use the result to quantify the possible enhancement of the breaking of time-reversal invariance in the vicinity of the p -wave resonance.

An accurate redetermination of the 118Sn binding energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borzakov, S. B.; Chrien, R. E.; Faikow-Stanczyk, H.; Grigoriev, Yu. V.; Panteleev, Ts. Ts.; Pospisil, S.; Smotritsky, L. M.; Telezhnikov, S. A.

2002-03-01

The energy of well-known strong γ line from 198Au, the "gold standard", has been modified in the light of new adjustments in the fundamental constants and the value of 411.80176(12) keV was determined, which is 0.29 eV lower than the latest 1999 value. An energy calibration procedure for determining the neutron binding energy, Bn, from complicated (n, γ) spectra has been developed. A mathematically simple minimization function consisting only of terms having as parameters the coefficients of the energy calibration curve (polynomial) is used. A priori information about the relationships among the energies of different peaks on the spectrum is taken into account by a Monte-Carlo simulation. The procedure was used in obtaining Bn for 118Sn. The γ-ray spectrum from thermal neutron radiative capture by 117Sn has been measured on the IBR-2 pulsed reactor. γ-rays were detected by a 72 cm 3 HPGe detector. For a better determination of Bn it was important to determine Bn for 64Cu. This value was obtained from two γ-spectra. One spectrum was measured on the IBR-2 by the same detector. The other spectrum was measured with a pair spectrometer at the Brookhaven High Flux Beam Reactor. From these two spectra, Bn for 64Cu was determined to be equal to 7915.52(8) keV. This result essentially differs from the previous value of 7915.96(11) keV. The mean value of the two most precise results of the Bn for 118Sn, was determined to be 9326.35(9) keV. The Bn for 57Fe was determined to be 7646.08(9) keV.

Simple, empirical approach to predict neutron capture cross sections from nuclear masses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Couture, A.; Casten, R. F.; Cakirli, R. B.

2017-12-01

Background: Neutron capture cross sections are essential to understanding the astrophysical s and r processes, the modeling of nuclear reactor design and performance, and for a wide variety of nuclear forensics applications. Often, cross sections are needed for nuclei where experimental measurements are difficult. Enormous effort, over many decades, has gone into attempting to develop sophisticated statistical reaction models to predict these cross sections. Such work has met with some success but is often unable to reproduce measured cross sections to better than 40 % , and has limited predictive power, with predictions from different models rapidly differing by an order of magnitude a few nucleons from the last measurement. Purpose: To develop a new approach to predicting neutron capture cross sections over broad ranges of nuclei that accounts for their values where known and which has reliable predictive power with small uncertainties for many nuclei where they are unknown. Methods: Experimental neutron capture cross sections were compared to empirical mass observables in regions of similar structure. Results: We present an extremely simple method, based solely on empirical mass observables, that correlates neutron capture cross sections in the critical energy range from a few keV to a couple hundred keV. We show that regional cross sections are compactly correlated in medium and heavy mass nuclei with the two-neutron separation energy. These correlations are easily amenable to predict unknown cross sections, often converting the usual extrapolations to more reliable interpolations. It almost always reproduces existing data to within 25 % and estimated uncertainties are below about 40 % up to 10 nucleons beyond known data. Conclusions: Neutron capture cross sections display a surprisingly strong connection to the two-neutron separation energy, a nuclear structure property. The simple, empirical correlations uncovered provide model-independent predictions of

Progress on the Europium Neutron-Capture Study using DANCE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Agvaanluvsan, U; Becker, J A; Macri, R A

2006-09-05

The accurate measurement of neutron-capture cross sections of the Eu isotopes is important for many reasons including nuclear astrophysics and nuclear diagnostics. Neutron capture excitation functions of {sup 151,153}Eu targets were measured recently using a 4{pi} {gamma}-ray calorimeter array DANCE located at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center for E{sub n} = 0.1-100 keV. The progress on the data analysis efforts is given in the present paper. The {gamma}-ray multiplicity distributions for the Eu targets and Be backing are significantly different. The {gamma}-ray multiplicity distribution is found to be the same for different neutron energies for both {sup 151}Eu andmore » {sup 153}Eu. The statistical simulation to model the {gamma}-ray decay cascade is summarized.« less

Neutron production in deuteron-induced reactions on Li, Be, and C at an incident energy of 102 MeV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Araki, Shouhei; Watanabe, Yukinobu; Kitajima, Mizuki; Sadamatsu, Hiroki; Nakano, Keita; Kin, Tadahiro; Iwamoto, Yosuke; Satoh, Daiki; Hagiwara, Masayuki; Yashima, Hiroshi; Shima, Tatsushi

2017-09-01

Double-differential cross sections (DDXs) of deuteron-induced neutron production reactions on Li, Be, and C at 102 MeV were measured at forward angles (≤ 25∘) by means of a time of flight method with NE213 liquid organic scintillators at the Research Center of Nuclear Physics, Osaka University. The experimental results were compared with model calculations with PHITS and DEURACS. The DEURACS calculation reproduces the experimental DDXs for C at very forward angles than the PHITS one. Moreover, the incident energy dependence of the Li(d,xn) reaction was investigated by adding the DDX data measured previously at 25 and 40 MeV.

The 3H(d,γ)5He Reaction for Ec.m. ≤ 300 keV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, C. E.; Brune, C. R.; Massey, T. N.; O'Donnell, J. E.; Richard, A. L.; Sayre, D. B.

2016-03-01

The 3H(d, γ)5He reaction has been measured using a 500-keV pulsed deuteron beam incident on a stopping titanium tritide target at Ohio University's Edwards Accelerator Laboratory. The time-of-flight (TOF) technique has been used to distinguish the γ-rays from neutrons detected in the bismuth germinate (BGO) γ-ray detector. A stilbene scintillator and an NE-213 scintillator have been used to detect the neutrons from the 3H(d, n)4He reaction using both the pulse-shape discrimination and TOF techniques. A newly-designed target holder with a silicon surface barrier detector to simultaneously measure α-particles to normalize the neutron count was incorporated for subsequent measurements. The γ-rays have been measured at laboratory angles of 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135°. Information about the γ-ray energy distribution for the unbound ground state and first excited state of 5He can be obtained experimentally by comparing the BGO data to Monte Carlo simulations. The 3H(d, γ)/3H(d, n) branching ratio has also been determined.

Physicsdesign point for a 1MW fusion neutron source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Woodruff, Simon; Melnik, Paul; Sieck, Paul; Stuber, James; Romero-Talamas, Carlos; O'Bryan, John; Miller, Ronald

2016-10-01

We are developing a design point for a spheromak experiment heated by adiabatic compression for use as a compact neutron source. We utilize the CORSICA and NIMROD MHD codes as well as analytic modeling to assess a concept with target parameters R0 =0.5m, Rf =0.17m, T0 =1keV, Tf =8keV, n0 =2e20m-3 and nf = 5e21m-3, with radial convergence of C =R0/Rf =3. We present results from CORSICA showing the placement of coils and passive structure to ensure stability during compression. We specify target parameters for the compression in terms of plasma beta, formation efficiency and energy confinement. We present results simulations of magnetic compression using the NIMROD code to examine the role of rotation on the stability and confinement of the spheromak as it is compressed. Supported by DARPA Grant N66001-14-1-4044 and IAEA CRP on Compact Fusion Neutron Sources.

Performance of a MICROMEGAS-based TPC in a high-energy neutron beam

DOE PAGES

Snyder, L.; Manning, B.; Bowden, N. S.; ...

2017-11-01

The MICROMEGAS (MICRO-MEsh GAseous Structure) charge amplification structure has found wide use in many detection applications, especially as a gain stage for the charge readout of Time Projection Chambers (TPCs). We report on the behavior of a MICROMEGAS TPC when operated in a high-energy (up to 800 MeV) neutron beam. It is found that neutron-induced reactions can cause discharges in some drift gas mixtures that are stable in the absence of the neutron beam. The discharges result from recoil ions close to the MICROMEGAS that deposit high specific ionization density and have a limited diffusion time. And for a binarymore » drift gas, increasing the percentage of the molecular component (quench gas) relative to the noble component and operating at lower pressures generally improves stability.« less

Performance of a MICROMEGAS-based TPC in a high-energy neutron beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snyder, L.; Manning, B.; Bowden, N. S.; Bundgaard, J.; Casperson, R. J.; Cebra, D. A.; Classen, T.; Duke, D. L.; Gearhart, J.; Greife, U.; Hagmann, C.; Heffner, M.; Hensle, D.; Higgins, D.; Isenhower, D.; King, J.; Klay, J. L.; Geppert-Kleinrath, V.; Loveland, W.; Magee, J. A.; Mendenhall, M. P.; Sangiorgio, S.; Seilhan, B.; Schmitt, K. T.; Tovesson, F.; Towell, R. S.; Walsh, N.; Watson, S.; Yao, L.; Younes, W.

2018-02-01

The MICROMEGAS (MICRO-MEsh GAseous Structure) charge amplification structure has found wide use in many detection applications, especially as a gain stage for the charge readout of Time Projection Chambers (TPCs). Here we report on the behavior of a MICROMEGAS TPC when operated in a high-energy (up to 800 MeV) neutron beam. It is found that neutron-induced reactions can cause discharges in some drift gas mixtures that are stable in the absence of the neutron beam. The discharges result from recoil ions close to the MICROMEGAS that deposit high specific ionization density and have a limited diffusion time. For a binary drift gas, increasing the percentage of the molecular component (quench gas) relative to the noble component and operating at lower pressures generally improves stability.

New low-energy 0 + state and shape coexistence in Ni 70

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Prokop, C. J.; Crider, B. P.; Liddick, S. N.

2015-12-01

In recent models, the neutron-rich Ni isotopes around N = 40 are predicted to exhibit multiple low-energy excited 0(+) states attributed to neutron and proton excitations across both the N = 40 and Z = 28 shell gaps. In Ni-68, the three observed 0(+) states have been interpreted in terms of triple shape coexistence between spherical, oblate, and prolate deformed shapes. In the present work a new (0(2)(+)) state at an energy of 1567 keV has been discovered in Ni-70 by using beta-delayed, gamma-ray spectroscopy following the decay of Co-70. The precipitous drop in the energy of the prolate-deformed 0(+)more » level between Ni-68 and Ni-70 with the addition of two neutrons compares favorably with results of Monte Carlo shell-model calculations carried out in the large fpg(9/2)d(5/2) model space, which predict a 0(2)(+) state at 1525 keV in Ni-70. The result extends the shape-coexistence picture in the region to Ni-70 and confirms the importance of the role of the tensor component of the monopole interaction in describing the structure of neutron-rich nuclei.« less

Thermal neutron cross-section and resonance integral of the 152Sm(n,γ)153Sm reaction induced by pulsed neutrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Do, Nguyen; Khue, Pham Duc; Thanh, Kim Tien; Hien, Nguyen Thi; Kim, Guinyun; Kim, Kwangsoo; Shin, Sung-Gyun; Kye, Yong-Uk; Cho, Moo-Hyun

2017-10-01

We measured the thermal neutron cross-section (σ0) and resonance integral (I0) of the 152Sm(n,γ)153Sm reaction relative to that of the 197Au(n,γ)198Au reaction. Sm and Au foils with and without a cadmium cover of 0.5 mm were irradiated with moderated pulsed neutrons produced from the electron linac. The induced activities of the reaction products were determined via high energy resolution HPGe detector. The present results: σ0,Sm =212±8 b and I0,Sm =3.02±0.19 kb are consistent with most of the existing reference data.

First-principles investigation of neutron-irradiation-induced point defects in B4C, a neutron absorber for sodium-cooled fast nuclear reactors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Yan; Yoshida, Katsumi; Yano, Toyohiko

2018-05-01

Boron carbide (B4C) is a leading candidate neutron absorber material for sodium-cooled fast nuclear reactors owing to its excellent neutron-capture capability. The formation and migration energies of the neutron-irradiation-induced defects, including vacancies, neutron-capture reaction products, and knocked-out atoms were studied by density functional theory calculations. The vacancy-type defects tend to migrate to the C–B–C chains of B4C, which indicates that the icosahedral cage structures of B4C have strong resistance to neutron irradiation. We found that lithium and helium atoms had significantly lower migration barriers along the rhombohedral (111) plane of B4C than perpendicular to this plane. This implies that the helium and lithium interstitials tended to follow a two-dimensional diffusion regime in B4C at low temperatures which explains the formation of flat disk like helium bubbles experimentally observed in B4C pellets after neutron irradiation. The knocked-out atoms are considered to be annihilated by the recombination of the close pairs of self-interstitials and vacancies.

Little Boy neutron spectrum below 3 MeV

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evans, A.E.; Bennett, E.F.; Yule, T.J.

The leakage neutron spectrum from the Little Boy replica has been measured from 12 keV to 3 MeV using a high-resolution /sup 3/He ionization chamber, and from 1 keV to 3 MeV using proton-recoil proportional counters. The /sup 3/He-spectrometer measurements were made at distances of 0.75 and 2.0 m from the active center and at angles of 0/sup 0/, 45/sup 0/, and 90/sup 0/ with respect to the axis of the assembly. Proton-recoil measurments were made at 90/sup 0/ to the assembly axis at distances of 0.75 and 2.0 m, with a shielded measurement made at 2.0 m to estimatemore » background due to scattering. The /sup 3/He spectrometer was calibrated at Los Alamos using monoenergetic /sup 7/Li(p,n)/sup 7/Be neutrons to generate a family of response functions. The proton-recoil counters were calibrated at Argonne by studying the capture of thermal neutrons by nitrogen in the counters, by observation of the 24-keV neutron resonance in iron, and by relating to the known hydrogen content of the counters. The neutron spectrum from Little Boy was found to be highly structured, with peaks corresponding to minima in the iron total neutron cross section. In particular, influence of the 24-keV iron window was evident in both sets of spectra. The measurements provide information for dosimetry calculations and also a valuable intercomparison of neutron spectrometry using the two different detector types. Spectra measured with both detectors are in essential agreement. 8 references, 7 figures, 2 tables.« less

Uncertainty quantification in fission cross section measurements at LANSCE

DOE PAGES

Tovesson, F.

2015-01-09

Neutron-induced fission cross sections have been measured for several isotopes of uranium and plutonium at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) over a wide range of incident neutron energies. The total uncertainties in these measurements are in the range 3–5% above 100 keV of incident neutron energy, which results from uncertainties in the target, neutron source, and detector system. The individual sources of uncertainties are assumed to be uncorrelated, however correlation in the cross section across neutron energy bins are considered. The quantification of the uncertainty contributions will be described here.

New Neutron Cross-Section Measurements at ORELA for Improved Nuclear Data Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guber, K. H.; Leal, L. C.; Sayer, R. O.; Koehler, P. E.; Valentine, T. E.; Derrien, H.; Harvey, J. A.

2005-05-01

Many older neutron cross-section evaluations from libraries such as ENDF/B-VI or JENDL-3.2 exhibit deficiencies or do not cover energy ranges that are important for criticality safety applications. These deficiencies may occur in the resolved and unresolved-resonance regions. Consequently, these evaluated data may not be adequate for nuclear criticality calculations where effects such as self-shielding, multiple scattering, or Doppler broadening are important. To support the Nuclear Criticality Predictability Program, neutron cross-section measurements have been initiated at the Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator (ORELA). ORELA is the only high-power white neutron source with excellent time resolution still operating in the United States. It is ideally suited to measure fission, neutron total, and capture cross sections in the energy range from 1 eV to ˜600 keV, which is important for many nuclear criticality safety applications.

RBE of quasi-monoenergetic 60 MeV neutron radiation for induction of dicentric chromosomes in human lymphocytes.

PubMed

Nolte, R; Mühlbradt, K-H; Meulders, J P; Stephan, G; Haney, M; Schmid, E

2005-12-01

The production of dicentric chromosomes in human lymphocytes by high-energy neutron radiation was studied using a quasi-monoenergetic 60 MeV neutron beam. The average yield coefficient [see text] of the linear dose-response relationship for dicentric chromosomes was measured to be (0.146+/-0.016) Gy-1. This confirms our earlier observations that above 400 keV, the yield of dicentric chromosomes decreases with increasing neutron energy. Using the linear-quadratic dose-response relationship for dicentric chromosomes established in blood of the same donor for 60Co gamma-rays as a reference radiation, an average maximum low-dose RBE (RBEM) of 14+/-4 for 60 MeV quasi-monoenergetic neutrons with a dose-weighted average energy [see text] of 41.0 MeV is obtained. A correction procedure was applied, to account for the low-energy continuum of the quasi-monoenergetic spectral neutron distribution, and the yield coefficient alpha for 60 MeV neutrons was determined from the measured average yield coefficient [see text]. For alpha, a value of (0.115+/-0.026) Gy-1 was obtained corresponding to an RBEM of 11+/-4. The present experiments extend earlier investigations with monoenergetic neutrons to higher energies.

Source Correlated Prompt Neutron Activation Analysis for Material Identification and Localization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Canion, Bonnie; McConchie, Seth; Landsberger, Sheldon

2017-07-01

This paper investigates the energy spectrum of photon signatures from an associated particle imaging deuterium tritium (API-DT) neutron generator interrogating shielded uranium. The goal is to investigate if signatures within the energy spectrum could be used to indirectly characterize shielded uranium when the neutron signature is attenuated. By utilizing the correlated neutron cone associated with each pixel of the API-DT neutron generator, certain materials can be identified and located via source correlated spectrometry of prompt neutron activation gamma rays. An investigation is done to determine if fission neutrons induce a significant enough signature within the prompt neutron-induced gamma-ray energy spectrum in shielding material to be useful for indirect nuclear material characterization. The signature deriving from the induced fission neutrons interacting with the shielding material was slightly elevated in polyethylene-shielding depleted uranium (DU), but was more evident in some characteristic peaks from the aluminum shielding surrounding DU.

NE-213-scintillator-based neutron detection system for diagnostic measurements of energy spectra for neutrons having energies greater than or equal to 0. 8 MeV created during plasma operations at the Princeton Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dickens, J.K.; Hill, N.W.; Hou, F.S.

1985-08-01

A system for making diagnostic measurements of the energy spectra of greater than or equal to 0.8-MeV neutrons produced during plasma operations of the Princeton Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) has been fabricated and tested and is presently in operation in the TFTR Test Cell Basement. The system consists of two separate detectors, each made up of cells containing liquid NE-213 scintillator attached permanently to RCA-8850 photomultiplier tubes. Pulses obtained from each photomultiplier system are amplified and electronically analyzed to identify and separate those pulses due to neutron-induced events in the detector from those due to photon-induced events in themore » detector. Signals from each detector are routed to two separate Analog-to-Digital Converters, and the resulting digitized information, representing: (1) the raw neutron-spectrum data; and (2) the raw photon-spectrum data, are transmited to the CICADA data-acquisition computer system of the TFTR. Software programs have been installed on the CICADA system to analyze the raw data to provide moderate-resolution recreations of the energy spectrum of the neutron and photon fluences incident on the detector during the operation of the TFTR. A complete description of, as well as the operation of, the hardware and software is given in this report.« less

NE-213-scintillator-based neutron detection system for diagnostic measurements of energy spectra for neutrons having energies greater than or equal to 0.8 MeV created during plasma operations at the Princeton Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickens, J. K.; Hill, N. W.; Hou, F. S.; McConnell, J. W.; Spencer, R. R.; Tsang, F. Y.

1985-08-01

A system for making diagnostic measurements of the energy spectra of greater than or equal to 0.8-MeV neutrons produced during plasma operations of the Princeton Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) has been fabricated and tested and is presently in operation in the TFTR Test Cell Basement. The system consists of two separate detectors, each made up of cells containing liquid NE-213 scintillator attached permanently to RCA-8850 photomultiplier tubes. Pulses obtained from each photomultiplier system are amplified and electronically analyzed to identify and separate those pulses due to neutron-induced events in the detector from those due to photon-induced events in the detector. Signals from each detector are routed to two separate Analog-to-Digital Converters, and the resulting digitized information, representing: (1) the raw neutron-spectrum data; and (2) the raw photon-spectrum data, are transmited to the CICADA data-acquisition computer system of the TFTR. Software programs have been installed on the CICADA system to analyze the raw data to provide moderate-resolution recreations of the energy spectrum of the neutron and photon fluences incident on the detector during the operation of the TFTR. A complete description of, as well as the operation of, the hardware and software is given in this report.

The neutronic design and performance of the Indiana University Cyclotron Facility (IUCF) Low Energy Neutron Source (LENS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lavelle, Christopher M.

Neutron scattering research is performed primarily at large-scale facilities. However, history has shown that smaller scale neutron scattering facilities can play a useful role in education and innovation while performing valuable materials research. This dissertation details the design and experimental validation of the LENS TMR as an example for a small scale accelerator driven neutron source. LENS achieves competitive long wavelength neutron intensities by employing a novel long pulse mode of operation, where the neutron production target is irradiated on a time scale comparable to the emission time of neutrons from the system. Monte Carlo methods have been employed to develop a design for optimal production of long wavelength neutrons from the 9Be(p,n) reaction at proton energies ranging from 7 to 13 MeV proton energy. The neutron spectrum was experimentally measured using time of flight, where it is found that the impact of the long pulse mode on energy resolution can be eliminated at sub-eV neutron energies if the emission time distribution of neutron from the system is known. The emission time distribution from the TMR system is measured using a time focussed crystal analyzer. Emission time of the fundamental cold neutron mode is found to be consistent with Monte Carlo results. The measured thermal neutron spectrum from the water reflector is found to be in agreement with Monte Carlo predictions if the scattering kernels employed are well established. It was found that the scattering kernels currently employed for cryogenic methane are inadequate for accurate prediction of the cold neutron intensity from the system. The TMR and neutronic modeling have been well characterized and the source design is flexible, such that it is possible for LENS to serve as an effective test bed for future work in neutronic development. Suggestions for improvements to the design that would allow increased neutron flux into the instruments are provided.

Analysis of the Nuclear Structure of 186 Re Using Neutron-Induced Reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matters, David; McClory, John; Carroll, James; Chiara, Chris; Fotiades, Nikolaos; Devlin, Matt; Nelson, Ron O.

2015-04-01

Evaluated nuclear structure data for 186 Re identifies the majority of spin-parity assignments as tentative, with approximate values associated with the energies of several levels and transitions. In particular, the absence of known transitions that feed the Jπ =8+ isomer motivates their discovery, which would have astrophysical implications and a potential application in the development of an isomer power source. Using the GErmanium Array for Neutron Induced Excitations (GEANIE) spectrometer at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Weapons Neutron Research (WNR) facility, the (n,2n γ) and (n,n' γ) reactions in a 99.52% enriched 187 Re target were used to measure γ-ray excitation functions in 186 Re and 187 Re, respectively. A preliminary analysis of the data obtained from the experiment reveals several new transitions in 186 Re and 187 Re.

Neutron imaging with the short-pulse laser driven neutron source at the TRIDENT Laser Facility

DOE PAGES

Guler, Nevzat; Volegov, Petr Lvovich; Favalli, Andrea; ...

2016-10-17

Emerging approaches to short-pulse laser-driven neutron production offer a possible gateway to compact, low cost, and intense broad spectrum sources for a wide variety of applications. They are based on energetic ions, driven by an intense short-pulse laser, interacting with a converter material to produce neutrons via breakup and nuclear reactions. Recent experiments performed with the high-contrast laser at the Trident laser facility of Los Alamos National Laboratory have demonstrated a laser-driven ion acceleration mechanism operating in the regime of relativistic transparency, featuring a volumetric laser-plasma interaction. This mechanism is distinct from previously studied ones that accelerate ions at themore » laser-target surface. The Trident experiments produced an intense beam of deuterons with an energy distribution extending above 100 MeV. This deuteron beam, when directed at a beryllium converter, produces a forward-directed neutron beam with ~5x10 9 n/sr, in a single laser shot, primarily due to deuteron breakup. The neutron beam has a pulse duration on the order of a few nanoseconds with an energy distribution extending from a few hundreds of keV to almost 80 MeV. For the experiments on neutron-source spot-size measurements, our gated neutron imager was setup to select neutrons in the energy range of 2.5 to 35 MeV. The spot size of neutron emission at the converter was measured by two different imaging techniques, using a knife-edge and a penumbral aperture, in two different experimental campaigns. The neutron-source spot size is measured ~1 mm for both experiments. The measurements and analysis reported here give a spatial characterization for this type of neutron source for the first time. In addition, the forward modeling performed provides an empirical estimate of the spatial characteristics of the deuteron ion-beam. Finally, these experimental observations, taken together, provide essential yet unique data to benchmark and verify theoretical

Neutron imaging with the short-pulse laser driven neutron source at the TRIDENT Laser Facility

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guler, Nevzat; Volegov, Petr Lvovich; Favalli, Andrea

Emerging approaches to short-pulse laser-driven neutron production offer a possible gateway to compact, low cost, and intense broad spectrum sources for a wide variety of applications. They are based on energetic ions, driven by an intense short-pulse laser, interacting with a converter material to produce neutrons via breakup and nuclear reactions. Recent experiments performed with the high-contrast laser at the Trident laser facility of Los Alamos National Laboratory have demonstrated a laser-driven ion acceleration mechanism operating in the regime of relativistic transparency, featuring a volumetric laser-plasma interaction. This mechanism is distinct from previously studied ones that accelerate ions at themore » laser-target surface. The Trident experiments produced an intense beam of deuterons with an energy distribution extending above 100 MeV. This deuteron beam, when directed at a beryllium converter, produces a forward-directed neutron beam with ~5x10 9 n/sr, in a single laser shot, primarily due to deuteron breakup. The neutron beam has a pulse duration on the order of a few nanoseconds with an energy distribution extending from a few hundreds of keV to almost 80 MeV. For the experiments on neutron-source spot-size measurements, our gated neutron imager was setup to select neutrons in the energy range of 2.5 to 35 MeV. The spot size of neutron emission at the converter was measured by two different imaging techniques, using a knife-edge and a penumbral aperture, in two different experimental campaigns. The neutron-source spot size is measured ~1 mm for both experiments. The measurements and analysis reported here give a spatial characterization for this type of neutron source for the first time. In addition, the forward modeling performed provides an empirical estimate of the spatial characteristics of the deuteron ion-beam. Finally, these experimental observations, taken together, provide essential yet unique data to benchmark and verify theoretical

Delayed neutron spectral data for Hansen-Roach energy group structure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Campbell, J.M.; Spriggs, G.D.

A detailed knowledge of delayed neutron spectra is important in reactor physics. It not only allows for an accurate estimate of the effective delayed neutron fraction {beta}{sub eff} but also is essential to calculating important reactor kinetic parameters, such as effective group abundances and the ratio of {beta}{sub eff} to the prompt neutron generation time. Numerous measurements of delayed neutron spectra for various delayed neutron precursors have been performed and reported in the literature. However, for application in reactor physics calculations, these spectra are usually lumped into one of the traditional six groups of delayed neutrons in accordance to theirmore » half-lives. Subsequently, these six-group spectra are binned into energy intervals corresponding to the energy intervals of a chosen nuclear cross-section set. In this work, the authors present a set of delayed neutron spectra that were formulated specifically to match Keepin`s six-group parameters and the 16-energy-group Hansen-Roach cross sections.« less

Fragmentation cross sections and binding energies of neutron-rich nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsang, M. B.; Lynch, W. G.; Friedman, W. A.; Mocko, M.; Sun, Z. Y.; Aoi, N.; Cook, J. M.; Delaunay, F.; Famiano, M. A.; Hui, H.; Imai, N.; Iwasaki, H.; Motobayashi, T.; Niikura, M.; Onishi, T.; Rogers, A. M.; Sakurai, H.; Suzuki, H.; Takeshita, E.; Takeuchi, S.; Wallace, M. S.

2007-10-01

An exponential dependence of the fragmentation cross section on the average binding energy is observed and reproduced with a statistical model. The observed functional dependence is robust and allows the extraction of binding energies from measured cross sections. From the systematics of Cu isotope cross sections, the binding energies of Cu76,77,78,79 have been extracted. They are 636.94±0.4,647.1±0.4,651.6±0.4, and 657.8±0.5 MeV, respectively. Specifically, the uncertainty of the binding energy of Cu75 is reduced from 980 keV, as listed in the 2003 mass table of Audi, Wapstra, and Thibault to 400 keV. The predicted cross sections of two near drip-line nuclei, Na39 and Mg40 from the fragmentation of Ca48 are discussed.

Nuclear structure beyond the neutron drip line. The lowest energy states in 9He via their T=5/2 isobaric analogs in 9Li

DOE PAGES

Uberseder, E.; Rogachev, G. V.; Goldberg, V. Z.; ...

2016-03-01

The level structure of the very neutron rich and unbound 9He nucleus has been the subject of significant experimental and theoretical study. Many recent works have claimed that the two lowest energy 9He states exist with spins J π=1/2 +and Jπ=1/2 -and widths on the order of 100–200 keV. These find-ings cannot be reconciled with our contemporary understanding of nuclear structure. Our present work is the first high-resolution study with low statistical uncertainty of the relevant excitation energy range in the 8He+n system, performed via a search for the T =5/2 isobaric analog states in 9Li populated through 8He+p elasticmore » scattering. Moreover, the present data show no indication of any narrow structures. Instead, we find evidence for a broad J π=1/2 +state in 9He located approximately 3 MeV above the neutron decay threshold.« less

First Measurement of Reaction-in-Flight Neutrons at the National Ignition Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonchev, A.; Becker, J.; Bleuel, D.; Bionta, R.; Fortner, D.; Henry, E.; Khater, H.; Shaughnessy, D.; Schnider, D.; Stoeffl, W.; Yeamans, C.; Boswell, M.; Bredeweg, T.; Grim, G.; Jungman, G.; Fowler, M.; Hayes, A.; Obst, A.; Rundberg, R.; Schulz, A.; Wilhelmy, J.; Tornow, W.; Bhike, M.; Howell, C.; Gooden, M.; LLNL/LANL/TUNL Collaboration

2013-10-01

The first measurement of reaction-in-flight (RIF) neutrons, also known as tertiary neutrons, has been performed at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) using an activation technique. Thulium foils positioned at 50 cm from the burning deuterium-tritium (DT) capsule have been exposed to the characteristic DT neutron spectrum. The high-energy part of these neutrons with energies above 15.0 MeV can produce 167Tm via the 169Tm(n,3n) reaction. The 208-keV γ-ray, emitted from the decay of 167Tm with a half-life of 9.2 days, has been measured using two clover detectors. The first preliminary result implies that the ratio of RIF neutrons (En > 15.0 MeV) versus the total neutrons is 1 × 10 -4 +/- 3 × 10 -5. The important implication of these measurements on our knowledge of the charged-particle stopping power in strongly coupled quantum-degenerate plasma will be presented. This work was performed under the auspices of the Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, (LLNS) under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Feasibility of the Precise Energy Calibration for Fast Neutron Spectrometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaganov, V. V.; Usenko, P. L.; Kryzhanovskaja, M. A.

2017-12-01

Computational studies aimed at improving the accuracy of measurements performed using neutron generators with a tritium target were performed. A measurement design yielding an extremely narrow peak in the energy spectrum of DT neutrons was found. The presence of such a peak establishes the conditions for precise energy calibration of fast-neutron spectrometers.

New method of a "point-like" neutron source creation based on sharp focusing of high-current deuteron beam onto deuterium-saturated target for neutron tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golubev, S.; Skalyga, V.; Izotov, I.; Sidorov, A.

2017-02-01

A possibility of a compact powerful point-like neutron source creation is discussed. Neutron yield of the source based on deuterium-deuterium (D-D) reaction is estimated at the level of 1011 s-1 (1013 s-1 for deuterium-tritium reaction). The fusion takes place due to bombardment of deuterium- (or tritium) loaded target by high-current focused deuterium ion beam with energy of 100 keV. The ion beam is formed by means of high-current quasi-gasdynamic ion source of a new generation based on an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) discharge in an open magnetic trap sustained by powerful microwave radiation. The prospects of proposed generator for neutron tomography are discussed. Suggested method is compared to the point-like neutron sources based on a spark produced by powerful femtosecond laser pulses.

SCALP: Scintillating ionization chamber for ALPha particle production in neutron induced reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galhaut, B.; Durand, D.; Lecolley, F. R.; Ledoux, X.; Lehaut, G.; Manduci, L.; Mary, P.

2017-09-01

The SCALP collaboration has the ambition to build a scintillating ionization chamber in order to study and measure the cross section of the α-particle production in neutron induced reactions. More specifically on 16O and 19F targets. Using the deposited energy (ionization) and the time of flight measurement (scintillation) with a great accuracy, all the nuclear reaction taking part on this project will be identify.

Neutron induced background in the COMPTEL detector on the Gamma Ray Observatory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, D. J.; Aarts, H.; Bennett, K.; Busetta, M.; Byrd, R.; Collmar, W.; Connors, A.; Diehl, R.; Eymann, G.; Foster, C.

1992-01-01

Interactions of neutrons in a prototype of the Compton imaging telescope (COMPTEL) gamma ray detector for the Gamma Ray Observatory were studied to determine COMPTEL's sensitivity as a neutron telescope and to estimate the gamma ray background resulting from neutron interactions. The IUCF provided a pulsed neutron beam at five different energies between 18 and 120 MeV. These measurements showed that the gamma ray background from neutron interactions is greater than previously expected. It was thought that most such events would be due to interactions in the upper detector modules of COMPTEL and could be distinguished by pulse shape discrimination. Rather, the bulk of the gamma ray background appears to be due to interactions in passive material, primarily aluminum, surrounding the D1 modules. In a considerable fraction of these interactions, two or more gamma rays are produced simultaneously, with one interacting in the D1 module and the other interacting in the module of the lower (D2) detector. If the neutron interacts near the D1 module, the D1 D2 time of flight cannot distinguish such an event from a true gamma ray event. In order to assess the significance of this background, the flux of neutrons in orbit has been estimated based on observed events with neutron pulse shape signature in D1. The strength of this neutron induced background is estimated. This is compared with the rate expected from the isotropic cosmic gamma ray flux.

The pulse profile of the Crab pulsar in the energy range 45 keV-1.2 MeV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, R. B.; Fishman, G. J.

1983-01-01

The Crab Nebula pulsar (PSR 0531+21) is the best studied and most intense of the nontransient X-ray pulsars. However, since its spectrum drops rapidly with energy, a well-resolved pulse profile has not previously been obtained above 200 keV. In the hard X-ray and low-energy gamma-ray region, an accurate pulse profile can be obtained with a balloon-borne detector of sufficient area during a single transit of the source. A new measurement of the pulse profile of PSR 0531+21 in the energy range above 45 keV obtained with a large-area scintillation detector array is reported. The detector array was flown on a balloon launched from Palestine, Texas on 1980 October 6, reaching a float altitude 4.5 g/sq cm at 0230 UTC October 7. The primary objective of the experiment was to detect and study weak gamma-ray bursts.

Advanced energy-resolving imaging detectors for applications at pulsed neutron sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Feller, Bruce; White, Brian

NOVA Scientific herein reports results from the DOE SBIR Phase IIB project. We continue to move forward to enhance the effectiveness of very high spatial and timing resolution MCP position-sensitive detectors into the epithermal or “above-thermal” neutron energy range – where NOVA’s neutron-sensitive NeuViewTM MCPs are already widely acknowledged as highly effective for cold and thermal neutron energies. As a result of these developments, these increasingly accepted neutron detection devices will be better able to perform energy-resolved neutron detection and imaging at the growing number of highly advanced pulsed neutron sources internationally, detecting individual neutrons with a spatial resolution ofmore » down to ~25 µm, and able to uniquely provide simultaneous ultrafast timing resolution of ~100 ns, for cold, thermal, and now into the epithermal range. The pulsed structure of the new and more powerful neutron beams, enables measurement of neutron energies through the time-of-flight (TOF) method. Moreover, these recent new pulsed sources have increasingly made available intense fluxes of epithermal neutrons - something previously unavailable with reactor-based neutron sources. The unique capability of MCP detectors to measure the energy of each detected neutron provides a capability to conduct experiments across a very broad neutron energy range simultaneously – encompassing cold up into the epithermal range of energies. Simultaneous detection of multiple Bragg edges, for example, can enable highly useful measurements in crystallographic structure, strain, phase, texture, and compositional distribution. Enhancement of the MCP epithermal neutron response resulting from this program, combined with an earlier and separate DOE-funded SBIR/STTR program to commercialize larger area (>100 cm 2) format cold and thermal neutron-sensitive MCP imaging detectors, has potential utility in being employed as large array detectors, replacing what is currently

Microdosimetric investigation of a fast neutron radiobiology facility utilising the d(4)-9Be reaction.

PubMed

Waker, A J; Maughan, R L

1986-11-01

For fast neutron therapy and radiobiology beams, knowledge of the primary neutron spectrum is the most fundamental requirement for the definition of radiation quality. However, microdosimetric measurements in the form of single-event spectra not only complement the primary neutron spectrum as a statement of radiation quality but also provide a sensitive method of detecting changes in the radiation field in situations where it is no longer possible to have precise knowledge of the primary neutron spectrum, for example after collimator changes and in positions where the radiation field consists of a large scattered component. For the various collimator arrangements employed at the Gray Laboratory facility small perturbations of the radiation field are observed which can be related to a softening of the primary neutron spectrum with increasing field size of the collimator. Gamma fraction determinations are in very good agreement with measurements employing the dual chamber technique and also show small changes with collimator field size giving rise to gamma components ranging from 0.09 to 0.12, the higher values being measured for the larger field sizes. Quality changes represented by the shape of the measured event-size spectra and the derived microdosimetric parameters were greatest for off axis and phantom measurements. With increasing depth in water, yD was found to decrease from 47.3 keV micron-1 at 5 cm to 35.6 keV micron-1 at 15 cm depth, and the gamma fraction was found to increase from 0.23 to 0.40. Although there is no generally accepted and agreed method of relating microdosimetric information to biological effectiveness, the dual radiation theory in its original form (Kellerer and Rossi 1972) has been shown to be a very useful model for the assessment of the biological effectiveness of fast neutrons (Kellerer et al 1976). The microdosimetric parameter which is used in the dual radiation model is the dose mean specific energy corrected for saturation zeta

Correlation of a Bipolar-Transistor-Based Neutron Displacement Damage Sensor Methodology with Proton Irradiations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tonigan, Andrew M.; Arutt, Charles N.; Parma, Edward J.