Characterization of a Be(p,xn) neutron source for fission yields measurements

TL;DR

This study characterizes a Be(p,xn) neutron source using two experimental techniques to measure the neutron spectrum for fission yield studies at a nuclear physics facility.

Contribution

It introduces a combined use of Time of Flight and Bonner Sphere Spectrometer techniques for neutron spectrum measurement in a Be(p,xn) source.

Findings

Neutron spectrum measured from thermal to high energies.

Cross-validation of two independent measurement techniques.

Preliminary results indicating the neutron flux distribution.

Abstract

We report on measurements performed at The Svedberg Laboratory (TSL) to characterize a proton-neutron converter for independent fission yield studies at the IGISOL-JYFLTRAP facility (Jyv\"askyl\"a, Finland). A 30 MeV proton beam impinged on a 5 mm water-cooled Beryllium target. Two independent experimental techniques have been used to measure the neutron spectrum: a Time of Flight (TOF) system used to estimate the high-energy contribution, and a Bonner Sphere Spectrometer able to provide precise results from thermal energies up to 20 MeV. An overlap between the energy regions covered by the two systems will permit a cross-check of the results from the different techniques. In this paper, the measurement and analysis techniques will be presented together with some preliminary results.