A compact accelerator driven neutron source at the Applied Nuclear Physics Laboratory, Lund University

Abstract

The Applied Nuclear Physics Group at Lund University has constructed a CANS (Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source). The CANS is based around a 3 MV, single-ended, Pelletron accelerator, which is used to impinge a 2.8 MeV deuterium beam into a beryllium target. The anticipated neutron production will be on the order of 1010 n/s in 4π sr, with future upgrades expected to increase neutron production to 1011 n/s. Neutron energy will be up to 9 MeV with peak emission at ∼5 MeV. Shielding and moderation will be provided by a large water tank surrounding the target, with exit ports to allow moderated neutrons to be directed to experiments. The thermal-neutron flux at the exit of the extraction ports is anticipated to be up to 106 n/cm2/s. The CANS will be used to forward the activities of the group in the area of neutron-activation analysis, in addition to a broader range of neutron related applications.