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High-energy quasi-monoenergetic neutron fields: existing facilities and future needs
S Pomp1, D T Bartlett2, S Mayer3
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden stephan.pomp@physics.uu.se.
High-energy quasi-monoenergetic neutron (QMN) sources are crucial for dosimetry and spectrometry. Current global facilities operate sub-optimally, with European access to >40 MeV QMN beams potentially disappearing soon.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear physics
- Radiation science
- Neutron physics
Background:
- Well-characterized quasi-monoenergetic neutron (QMN) sources above 20 MeV are essential for advanced applications.
- Existing QMN facilities worldwide face operational challenges and limitations for dosimetry and spectrometry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current state of quasi-monoenergetic neutron (QMN) sources for energies exceeding 20 MeV.
- To identify key characteristics of an ideal QMN source for dosimetry and spectrometry.
- To evaluate the availability and future prospects of high-energy QMN sources globally.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing quasi-monoenergetic neutron (QMN) facilities.
- Analysis of operational conditions and energy capabilities of these facilities.
- Identification of critical parameters for dosimetry and spectrometry applications.
Main Results:
- All six existing quasi-monoenergetic neutron (QMN) facilities operate under sub-optimal conditions for dosimetry.
- The sole European facility capable of >40 MeV QMN beams (TSL, Sweden) faces imminent shutdown.
- By 2016, only South Africa and Japan are likely to offer QMN beams >40 MeV, leaving Europe without such capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Current quasi-monoenergetic neutron (QMN) sources are inadequate for optimal dosimetry and spectrometry.
- The future availability of high-energy QMN beams is limited, particularly in Europe.
- Urgent development and maintenance of advanced QMN sources are needed to meet scientific demands.
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