Development of a Pelletron-based compact neutron source

Abstract

The Applied Nuclear Physics Group at Lund University is constructing a prototype 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. A further upgrade to the ion source of the Pelletron is expected to increase neutron production to 1011 n/s. Neutron energies 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 three exit ports to allow neutrons of different energies to be directed to experiments. The design is supported by simulation results which predict fast-neutron fluxes of 9×104 to 5×106 n/cm2/s, and thermal-neutron fluxes of 1×104 to 5×104 n/cm2/s to be readily obtainable with a 10 µA deuteron beam.