On-demand neutron field customization via multiple neutron source assemblies

IF 2.1 3区工程技术 Q3 CHEMISTRY, INORGANIC & NUCLEAR

Applied Radiation and Isotopes Pub Date : 2026-06-01 Epub Date: 2026-03-07 DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2026.112542

T.H. Zhang , M. Zhang , X. Cao , Y.L. Ge , W. Ma , L.P. Zou , Z. Yang , L. Lu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Conventional neutron irradiation fields face inherent challenges in dynamically adjusting both spectral characteristics and spatial flux distributions. This study proposes a multi-port neutron source system based on compact high-intensity D-D neutron generators, achieving highly customizable neutron energy spectra and precise flux distribution control through coordinated regulation of epithermal (0.5 eV-10 keV) and fast neutron (>10 keV) ports. Geant4 simulations demonstrate that independent neutron moderator assembly (NMA) design and neutron yield adjustment at each port enable continuous spectral distributions from epithermal to fast neutron ranges, overcoming the fixed-spectrum limitation of conventional neutron sources. While six-port configurations significantly improve irradiation uniformity in large-volume samples, symmetric multi-port arrangements alter hybrid spectral characteristics through NMA synergy effects, increasing fast neutron components - a spectral gradient variation that presents both dose calculation challenges and new opportunities for homogeneous material irradiation applications. The system's unique advantages in neutron activation analysis and dynamic neutron imaging stem from D-D source yield controllability, distributed modular design, and port-specific spectral shaping capability. Building upon current developments in compact D-D neutron sources, this work provides an innovative technological platform for precision neutron science research.

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通过多个中子源组件按需定制中子场

传统中子辐照场在动态调整光谱特性和空间通量分布方面面临着固有的挑战。本研究提出了一种基于紧凑型高强度D-D中子发生器的多端口中子源系统，通过协调调节超热中子（0.5 eV-10 keV）和快中子（>10 keV）端口，实现高度可定制的中子能谱和精确的通量分布控制。Geant4模拟表明，独立的中子减速剂组件（NMA）设计和每个端口的中子产率调整可以实现从超热中子到快中子范围的连续光谱分布，克服了传统中子源固定光谱的限制。虽然六端口配置显著提高了大体积样品的辐照均匀性，但对称的多端口配置通过NMA协同效应改变了混合光谱特性，增加了快中子成分，这种光谱梯度变化既给剂量计算带来了挑战，也为均匀材料辐照应用带来了新的机遇。该系统在中子活化分析和动态中子成像方面的独特优势源于D-D源产率可控性、分布式模块化设计和端口特定的光谱塑造能力。基于目前紧凑型D-D中子源的发展，这项工作为精密中子科学研究提供了一个创新的技术平台。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Applied Radiation and Isotopes 工程技术-核科学技术

CiteScore

3.00

自引率

12.50%

发文量

406

审稿时长

13.5 months

期刊介绍： Applied Radiation and Isotopes provides a high quality medium for the publication of substantial, original and scientific and technological papers on the development and peaceful application of nuclear, radiation and radionuclide techniques in chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, medicine, security, engineering and in the earth, planetary and environmental sciences, all including dosimetry. Nuclear techniques are defined in the broadest sense and both experimental and theoretical papers are welcome. They include the development and use of α- and β-particles, X-rays and γ-rays, neutrons and other nuclear particles and radiations from all sources, including radionuclides, synchrotron sources, cyclotrons and reactors and from the natural environment. The journal aims to publish papers with significance to an international audience, containing substantial novelty and scientific impact. The Editors reserve the rights to reject, with or without external review, papers that do not meet these criteria. Papers dealing with radiation processing, i.e., where radiation is used to bring about a biological, chemical or physical change in a material, should be directed to our sister journal Radiation Physics and Chemistry.