The spectral fluence rate of the thermalized neutron field obtained by slowing down the 14MeV fusion neutrons produced at the accelerator-driven Frascati Neutron Generator is measured by means of the Bonner Sphere Spectrometer. Neutron thermalization is achieved by means of a moderator assembly made of a copper pre-moderator and a polyethylene moderator. A Monte Carlo simulation reproducing the experimental set-up is also performed by means of the MCNP code and the results are compared to the experimental data. The benchmarked Monte Carlo is then used to predict the brilliance of a thermal moderator operating at a potential highintensity 14MeV neutron continuous source featuring a neutron emission rate of 1015 s-1. The results obtained show that if a D-T neutron source featuring a continuous neutron emission rate of 1015 s-1 could be made operative, it could be effectively exploited for neutron science.
On the slowing-down of 14 MeV fusion neutrons: A spectrometry benchmark and perspectives on future neutron science facilities
Pietropaolo A.;Flammini D.;Moro F.;Pagano G.;Pillon M.;
2019-01-01
Abstract
The spectral fluence rate of the thermalized neutron field obtained by slowing down the 14MeV fusion neutrons produced at the accelerator-driven Frascati Neutron Generator is measured by means of the Bonner Sphere Spectrometer. Neutron thermalization is achieved by means of a moderator assembly made of a copper pre-moderator and a polyethylene moderator. A Monte Carlo simulation reproducing the experimental set-up is also performed by means of the MCNP code and the results are compared to the experimental data. The benchmarked Monte Carlo is then used to predict the brilliance of a thermal moderator operating at a potential highintensity 14MeV neutron continuous source featuring a neutron emission rate of 1015 s-1. The results obtained show that if a D-T neutron source featuring a continuous neutron emission rate of 1015 s-1 could be made operative, it could be effectively exploited for neutron science.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
