NeutrSHINE: a high repetition rate ultrafast neutron source driven by SHINE electron beam

TL;DR

NeutrSHINE is a proposed ultrafast neutron source driven by the SHINE electron beam, offering high performance for scientific and industrial applications through detailed simulation analysis.

Contribution

This paper introduces the NeutrSHINE concept, a novel high-repetition-rate ultrafast neutron source driven by the SHINE electron beam, with comprehensive simulation-based feasibility analysis.

Findings

NeutrSHINE is technically feasible.

Key neutronic parameters are optimized.

Potential applications are promising.

Abstract

Neutrons serve as unique probes for exploring the microscopic structure of matter, with the performance of a neutron source fundamentally governing the depth of scientific exploration and the breadth of industrial applicability. To address application demands including nuclear data measurement in the ultra-high-energy region, fundamental particle physics research, highly efficient non-destructive neutron testing, and extreme environment simulation, an ultrafast neutron source driven by the 8 GeV electron beam from the Shanghai high-repetition-rate extreme light facility (SHINE) was conceptually proposed, named NeutrSHINE. Using multidisciplinary simulation tools, key neutronic parameters, thermal behavior of high-power neutron targets, and the factors affecting the time resolution of the source were analyzed. The results affirm the technical feasibility and promising application prospects of the NeutrSHINE concept.