Design and construction of a 9 MeV γ-ray source based on capture of moderated plutonium–beryllium neutrons in nickel. (January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Söderström, P.-A.; Balabanski, D.L.; Ban, R.S.; Ciocan, Gh.; Cuciuc, M.; Dhal, A.; Fugaru, V.; Iancu, V.; Rotaru, A.; Şerban, A.B.; State, A.; Testov, D.; Turturică, G.V.; Vasilca, V.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 191(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01
• Subjects: Neutron sources -- Composite radioactive sources -- High-energy γ-rays -- Scintillator detectors; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2022.110559
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: We have designed and constructed a high-energy γ -ray source for detector characterisation and calibration. The source is a composite type based on a plutonium–beryllium neutron emitter embedded in a paraffin moderator, which is homogeneously mixed with nickel powder. The 9 MeV γ -ray source produces approximately 450 photons per second in 4 π when 2 . 2 × 1 0 5 neutrons per second are emitted, corresponding to a surface flux of 9 MeV γ -rays of approximately 2 . 5 × 1 0 − 6 cm −2 per emitted neutron. Here we discuss the properties and design of this source, including the characterisation of homogeneity and high-energy γ -ray emission spectra. Highlights: A source of 9 MeV gamma rays based on neutron capture in nickel has been constructed The source has been characterised with a radioisotopic PuBe primary neutron field The gamma-ray spectrum has been evaluated in the ELIGANT-GN and the ELIADE arrays