Characterization of D-T generator neutron flux spectrum for cyclic neutron activation analysis experiments

S. M. Lyons, B. D. Pierson, M. Mayfield, J. Christ, C. A. Lani, M. Flaska

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Improving nuclear data for short-lived fission product yields will further our fundamental understanding of fission, which is needed across various scientific fields and applications. One method of attaining the needed product yield data is through cyclic neutron activation, which allows a target to be irradiated in a neutron environment and then transported for counting of the radionuclides produced, typically via γ spectroscopy. Recently, such a system was constructed and commissioned at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. In this system, targets are shuttled between the head of a D-T neutron generator and a counting station with a transit time of about 2 sec. As part of the characterization of this system, the neutron flux was studied using two activation targets. The neutron flux from the deuterium-tritium fusion generator was determined to be 9.95±0.33×108 n/cm2·s with a peak energy of 14.9 MeV and a spread of approximately 4 decades between the epithermal and 14 MeV peak group flux.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAIP Conference Proceedings
EditorsCatherine P. Foley, Deborah M. Kane, Joanna Turner
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9780735447189
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 17 2023
Event7th IUPAP International Conference on Women in Physics, IUPAP 2021 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jul 11 2021Jul 16 2021

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Number1
Volume3040
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference7th IUPAP International Conference on Women in Physics, IUPAP 2021
CityVirtual, Online
Period7/11/217/16/21

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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