In the realm of energy research, a team of scientists from the French research institute GANIL/SPIRAL2, led by Dr. D. Ramos, has developed a novel neutron beam monitor that could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in nuclear energy and related fields.
The researchers have installed a new experimental setup at the Neutrons For Science facility (NFS) at GANIL/SPIRAL2. This setup is designed to monitor neutron beams with high precision. It consists of an array of Position-Sensitive Parallel-Plate Avalanche Counters (PS-PPACs) that detect fission fragments from uranium-238 targets when they are struck by neutrons. The neutron energy is determined using the Time-of-Flight method, and the reaction point within the uranium targets is reconstructed. This allows for the measurement of the neutron beam flux and beam profile. The high transparency of the setup enables it to operate simultaneously with other experiments, providing real-time monitoring of neutron intensity.
The neutron beam used in this research is produced by directing a 40-MeV deuteron beam, accelerated by the SPIRAL2 LINAC, onto an 8 mm-thick rotating beryllium converter target. This interaction generates a high-intensity, broad-spectrum neutron beam, which is then monitored by the new setup.
The practical applications of this research for the energy sector are manifold. In nuclear energy, precise neutron beam monitoring is crucial for reactor operations, safety, and research into new reactor designs. The ability to measure neutron flux and beam profile accurately can enhance the safety and efficiency of nuclear power plants. Additionally, this technology can be instrumental in research into fusion energy, where neutron detection and measurement are essential for understanding plasma behavior and reactor performance.
The researchers reported their findings in a paper published in the journal Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment. This work represents a significant advancement in neutron beam monitoring technology, with potential benefits for the energy industry and beyond.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.