Measurement of D-7Li Neutron Production in Neutron Generators Using the Threshold Activation Foil Technique
Abstract
Measurements to determine the absolute D-D and D-7Li neutron production rates with a neutron generator running at 100-200 kV acceleration potential were performed using the threshold activation foil technique. This technique provides a clear measure of fast neutron flux and with a suitable model, the neutron output. This approach requires little specialized equipment and is used to calibrate real-time neutron detectors and to verify neutron output. We discuss the activation foil measurement technique and describe its use in determining the relative contributions of D-D and D-7Li reactions to the total neutron yield and real-time detector response and compare to model predictions.
The D-7Li reaction produces neutrons with a continuum of energies and a sharp peak around 13.5 MeV for measurement techniques outside of what D-D generators can perform. The ability to perform measurements with D-D neutrons alone, then add D-7Li neutrons for inelastic gamma production presents additional measurement modalities with the same neutron source without the use of tritium. Typically, D-T generators are employed for inelastic scattering applications but have a high regulatory burden from a radiological aspect (tritium inventory, liability concerns) and are export-controlled. D-D and D-7Li generators avoid these issues completely.- Publication:
-
Physics Procedia
- Pub Date:
- 2017
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.phpro.2017.09.028
- Bibcode:
- 2017PhPro..90...85C
- Keywords:
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- Neutron generator;
- activation foil;
- threshold foil;
- neutron calibration