Improvement in the practical implementation of neutron source strength calibration using prompt gamma rays

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Radiation Detection and Measurement

Background:

• Accurate determination of neutron emission rates is crucial for various applications.
• Prompt gamma ray spectrometry offers a method for in-situ neutron source characterization.
• Optimization of experimental setups is necessary to improve measurement efficiency and accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the neutron emission rate from neutron sources using prompt gamma rays.
• To optimize the geometric arrangement of source, moderator, and detector.
• To design and evaluate an improved shielding system for scattered radiation.

Main Methods:

• Monte Carlo simulations were employed to determine optimal positioning.
• Efficiency of polyethylene spheres as moderators was investigated for different neutron sources.
• A novel shielding cone was designed and analyzed for its attenuation properties.

Main Results:

• Optimal moderator sphere sizes were found to be 12-inch for (241)Am-Be and 10-inch for (252)Cf sources.
• The designed 45 cm shielding cone effectively attenuated scattered neutrons and gamma rays.
• The study established improved configurations for neutron emission rate measurements.

Conclusions:

• The applied improvements enhance the accuracy and efficiency of neutron emission rate determination.
• The optimized setup and shielding design contribute to safer and more reliable radiation measurements.
• This work provides a validated methodology for characterizing neutron sources.