Neutron dose rate at the SwissFEL injector test facility: first measurements

Area of Science:

• Particle Physics
• Accelerator Technology
• Radiation Detection

Background:

• The SwissFEL Free Electron Laser facility accelerates electrons to high energies.
• Secondary neutron radiation is generated by electron beam interactions with beamline components.
• Accurate measurement of this radiation is crucial for operational safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of different commercially available neutron detectors.
• To evaluate detector readings in pulsed radiation fields.
• To assess detector accuracy during normal and diagnostic injector operations.

Main Methods:

• Measurements of ambient dose-equivalent rate due to neutrons were performed along the beamline.
• Various neutron survey instruments were utilized, including one for pulsed fields.
• Experiments were conducted in two distinct operational modes of the injector test facility.

Main Results:

• The study compared the readings from different neutron detectors under specific experimental conditions.
• Performance variations among detectors were observed.
• Data was collected for both normal and diagnostic operational modes.

Conclusions:

• The study provides valuable data on neutron detector performance in the context of a Free Electron Laser facility.
• Findings inform the selection of appropriate radiation monitoring instruments for pulsed beam environments.
• Understanding secondary radiation is essential for the safe design and operation of accelerators like SwissFEL.