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Tagging fast neutrons from an (241)Am/(9)Be source
J Scherzinger1, J R M Annand2, G Davatz3
1Division of Nuclear Physics, Lund University, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden; Detector Group, European Spallation Source ESS AB, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden.
Summary
Researchers developed a method to tag fast neutrons from an Americium-241/Beryllium (Am/Be) source. This creates an energy-tagged neutron beam up to 7 MeV, matching theoretical predictions.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear physics
- Radiation detection
Background:
- Fast neutron beams are crucial for various applications in science and industry.
- Characterizing neutron energy is essential for accurate experimental results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a technique for producing an energy-tagged fast neutron beam.
- To characterize the energy spectrum of the generated neutron beam.
Main Methods:
- Utilized shielding, coincidence detection, and time-of-flight (TOF) measurements.
- Employed an Americium-241/Beryllium (Am/Be) neutron source.
- Tagged emitted fast neutrons up to 7 MeV.
Main Results:
- Successfully generated a continuous, polychromatic, energy-tagged neutron beam.
- The measured neutron energy structure showed qualitative agreement with prior experimental data.
- The experimental results aligned with theoretical calculations for the neutron energy distribution.
Conclusions:
- The implemented method effectively produces an energy-tagged neutron beam.
- The technique validates theoretical models of neutron emission from Am/Be sources.
- This method offers a valuable tool for neutron research requiring energy-specific beams.
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