A neutron source with an effective energy of 0-5 keV

Calculations indicate that an assembly consisting of an antimony-beryllium source at the centre of a 4 cm radius water sphere surrounded by a 1 mm thick shell of boron-10 will emit neutrons with a broad spectrum at intermediate energies. A device based on this design was constructed using a water-filled, boron-carbide loaded, plastic shell with an antimony-beryllium source located at the centre. The output spectrum was calculated by Monte Carlo program and the computed total yield agreed well with measurements made with a manganese bath system. The main peak has an effective energy of 0-5 keV and the total yield is 18% of the antimony-beryllium source strength. Experience with this source suggests some possible avenues for future development.