离线测量钍快中子裂变反应率方法

钍快中子裂变反应率是钍铀燃料循环中的重要数据.为了测量基于聚变-裂变混合能源堆包层概念设计的钍样品在宏观中子学装置中的钍快中子裂变数据,发展了钍快中子裂变率的离线活化γ测量方法.通过测量232Th裂变碎片85mKr的β衰变产物85Rb发射的151.16 keV特征γ射线,并结合钍裂变产额数据,获得了钍样品装置中232Th裂变反应率的分布.详细介绍了此方法的原理和影响因素,并利用14 MeV的D-T中子源在贫铀球壳中开展了校验实验,实验不确定度为5.3%—5.5%.采用MCNP5程序和ENDF/B-VI及ENDF/B-VII数据库模拟计算的结果与实验结果在实验不确定度内基本符合,这证明该方法能够有效地模拟装置中232Th裂变反应率.     

基于裂变γ标识技术的瞬发裂变中子谱测量新方法

瞬发裂变中子谱（prompt fission neutron spectrum,PFNS）是用于核实验诊断过程中十分重要的参数数据,传统的测量主锕系核素（U,Pu）PFNS的技术手段是采用裂变室,利用裂变碎片标识裂变中子,通过中子飞行时间技术获得裂变中子谱.目前出现了一种新的用于PFNS测量的技术,其原理是基于如下的物理事实：在一次裂变过程中,释放中子的同时伴随着释放7–8个γ射线光子,而非弹性散射效应产生的γ射线光子只有1–2个.据此,可以通过裂变γ射线的多重性将裂变中子和其他杂散中子甄选出来,达到测量PFNS的目的.本文建立了基于裂变γ标识技术的PFNS测量实验系统.利用该系统对²⁵²Cf中子源的PFNS进行了实验测量,测量结果与传统的裂变碎片标识法及ENDF/B-VⅡ数据库的标准谱进行了比较,对新方法的裂变标识率以及实验不确定度也一并进行了分析.     

D-T中子诱发贫化铀球壳内裂变率分布实验

中子诱发裂变反应率是表征和检验中子在材料中的输运、裂变放能等过程的重要物理量.贫化铀球壳裂变反应率径向分布数据,可为铀核数据宏观检验及研究裂变放能与贫化铀球壳厚度的关系提供数据支持.本文设计了内径为13.1 cm,外径分别为18.10,19.40,23.35,25.40,28.45 cm的五种不同厚度的贫化铀球壳组合装置;利用位于球壳中心的氘氚中子源轰击贫化铀球壳装置,中子产额约为3×10~(10)—4×10~(10)s~(-1);在"赤道"平面与入射氘束成45°方向测量裂变反应率随径向分布的情况.为了克服裂变室和俘获探测器等自身对模型和中子场的扰动,本文选择与装置材料相同的贫化铀材料作为活化探测器,以活化探测器中的裂变碎片143Ce发射的γ射线作为测量对象,通过HPGe探测器测量的γ射线数,基于~(143)Ce裂变产额数据反推裂变反应率.通过实验获得了贫化铀球壳内的裂变率及其径向分布规律,裂变反应率和相对标准不确定度分别位于5.28×10~(-29)—7.58×10~(-28)之间和6%—11%之间.基于蒙特卡罗程序和ENDF/BVI.8数据库完成了模拟计算,并与实验结果进行了对比分析,两者在不确定度范围内一致.     

低能裂变反应的碎片角动量激发机制研究

用一个包含了半导体探测器, 液体闪烁计数器和60%效率的HPGe探测器的四参数关联实验测量了²⁵²Cf(sf)反应的中子多重性和γ多重性与裂变碎片特征参数(质量, 总动能TKE)间的关联. 由于在测量裂变中子多重性绝对值的同时, 本工作首次从实验数据确定了特定碎片的γ多重性的绝对值, 故测量数据为进一步深入研究碎片角动激发提供了新的信息. 结果表明, 角动激发并不与裂变核在断点的形变成正关联, 但两者间却存在着复杂的关联特性. 实验数据不能从现有核理论的弯曲(bending)和扭动(wriggling)碎片角动量激发模式得到理解; 但可用碎片角动激发与裂变核的断点核激发能存在正关联而得到部分解释.     

中子学实验近期进展

文章作者采用核活化法和核裂变法实验研究了加速器D-T中子、D-D中子以及~(252)Cf自发裂变中子在纯水泥体上的反射中子,获得了反射中子引起的6种高阈能活化箔的活化反应率以及~(235)U(包镉)和~(238)U裂变反应率.采用反冲质子法测量了4种厚度(4.5,9,18,27cm)聚乙烯板的角度中子谱.获得了聚乙烯铁铍组合壳体内距装置中心0,9.7,12.8和17.3cm 4个位置1MeV以上的中子能谱.采用铝核素标准截面相对测量法,获得了~(175)Lu、~(89)Y核素的(n,2n)反应截面.文章还分析了实验的不确定度.     

高激发213Fr核的形变研究

对132MeV ¹⁶O+¹⁹⁷Au反应产生的裂变碎片和巨偶极共振γ射线进行了符合测量,得到了E=92MeV的高激发²¹³Fr的γ衰变谱和γ角关联谱.观测到复合核巨偶极共振γ角关联谱存在很大的各向异性.利用改进的统计模型程序分析了实验数据,不考虑裂变延迟时,统计模型计算可以很好拟合地实验结果.通过对γ角关联谱的理论计算与实验结果的比较,可以得出高激发²¹³Fr核(E=92MeV)的形状从集体长椭球向非集体扁椭球变化.     

形变双奇核180Ir的高自旋态实验研究

利用15 4 Sm( 31P ,5nγ) 180 Ir反应产生并研究了双奇核180 Ir的高自旋态 .实验中进行了180 Ir核的在束γ测量 ,包括γ射线的激发函数测量、X γ和γ γ符合测量 ,首次建立了双奇核180 Ir由 5个转动带构成的能级纲图 .依据从实验数据中提取出的带内B(M1 ) /B(E2 )值与理论计算值的比较 ,以及相邻双奇核的带结构特征 ,给出了转动带的准粒子组态 .在推转壳模型的理论框架中 ,定性地讨论了转动带结构特征的组态依赖性     

新重丰中子同位素238Th

利用兰州重离子加速器(HIRFL)所提供的60MeV/u的¹⁸O离子束照射天然铀靶,通过多核子转移反应生成²³⁸Th.由快速放射化学分离技术从铀及其反应产物的混合物中分离出钍.使用2台高纯锗(HPGe)探测器对样品的γ(X)活性进行测量,观测到了²³⁸Th的β^－衰变子体²³⁸Pa的635.0keV和1060.5keV2条γ射线峰的增长、衰变行为.利用分析递次衰变的计算机程序对其后一条进行了拟合,得到母、子体半衰期分别为(9.4±2.0)min和(2.1±0.4)min,二者分别与预言值和文献值相符.另外,在由²³⁸Pa的X射线开门的γ谱中,发现一条能量为89.0keV的新γ射线,经计算,其半衰期为(8.9±1.5)min,由跃迁能量和半衰期的关系认定该射线来源于²³⁸Th的β–衰变.从而证明本实验合成和鉴别了重丰中子新核素²³⁸Th,并测定它的半衰期为(9.4±2.0)min.     

四个新的丰中子稀土同位素的鉴别

四个新的丰中子裂变产物核已经在布鲁克海文国家实验室在线质量分离器TRISTAN上鉴别出来。测出它们的半衰期是:~(156)Pm,T_(1/2)=28.2±1.1秒;~(159)Sm,T_(1/2)=15±2秒;~(160)_(1/2)Sm,T=8.7±1.4秒;~(161)Eu,T_(1/2)=27±3秒。这些核在核合成的计算中是特别重要的,因为它们位于稀土区域,在这个区域,由γ过程(快速中子俘获过程)形成最大的丰度值。通过对这些核的半衰期与最近计算的别的新核的半衰期的比较,揭示出理论结果与实验结果之间的偏差的系统学特征。     

质子滴线附近的β缓发质子衰变

简要回顾了实验小组在过去8年中获得的实验结果, 即采用氦喷嘴快速带传输系统 +“p-γ”符合方法, 在稀土区质子滴线附近首次观测了9种新核素的β缓发质子衰变, 在A=90核区的N=Z线附近获得了5种核素的β缓发质子衰变的新数据. 并把这14种核素的半衰期, 自旋宇称, 形变以及生成反应截面的实验值与流行的核模型理论预言进行了系统地对比讨论. 从中看出:(1)⁸⁵Mo, ⁹²Rh以及“等待点”核⁸⁹Ru和⁹³Pd半衰期的实验值比近期Moller等人的宏观-微观理论预言值[At. Data Nucl Data Tables, 66, 131(1997)]长5—10倍, 因而明显地影响天体rp过程生成的核素丰度;(2)实验指认的质子滴线核¹⁴²Ho和¹²⁸Pm的自旋宇称与流行理论预言不符, 但用Woods-Saxon-Strutinsky方法可以计算得到相符的位能面;(3)实验估计的9种稀土核的生成截面比通用的Alice和HIVAP程序的计算值要小1—2个数量级.     

Direct mass measurements on the superallowed emitter 74Rb and its daughter 74Kr: isospin-symmetry-breaking correction for standard-model tests

The decay energy of the superallowed beta decay 74Rb(beta+)74Kr was determined by direct Penning trap mass measurements on both the mother and the daughter nuclide using the time-of-flight resonance technique and was found to be Q=10 416.8(4.5) keV. The exotic nuclide 74Rb, with a half-life of only 65 ms, is the shortest-lived nuclide on which a high-precision mass measurement in a Penning trap has been carried out. Together with existing data for the partial half-life as well as theoretical corrections, the decay energy yields a comparative half-life of Ft=3084(15) s for this decay, in agreement with the mean value for the series of the lighter nuclides from 10C to 54Co. Assuming conserved vector current, this result allows for an experimental determination of the isospin-symmetry-breaking correction deltaC.     

Measurement of mass- and time-dependence of delayed fission neutrons by an on-line mass separator

Delayed neutron emission for thermal neutron fission of²³⁵U is investigated by means of a helium-filled mass separator. At the focus of the separator, the neutron activity is detected in coincidence with theΒ decay preceding the neutron emission. Measurements of the activity build-up give the total delayed neutron yield and the yields for different times after fission. Measurements of the activity decay give the half-life distribution. The mass-dependence of yield and half-life was investigated for the whole fission product mass region. The splitting of the total yield of delayed neutrons between light and heavy fission products has been determined. Based on Keepin's value of the total number of delayed neutrons per fission, a yield of 1.05 and 0.53 neutrons per 100 fissions has been obtained for light and heavy fission products, respectively. The experimentally determined mass- and time-dependences of delayed neutron emission are compared with those calculated from the known precursors. Unidentified neutron activities in the mass regions 85–88 (half-life 1 sec) and 96–100 (half-life 1.5 sec) are discussed. By means of theoretical considerations the yield difference for delayed neutrons between light and heavy fission products is interpreted and the new neutron activity is assigned to the precursors⁹⁸Y or⁹⁹Y.     

Calculation of prompt fission neutron spectrum for 233U（n,f）reaction by the semi-empirical method~

The prompt fission neutron spectra for the neutron-induced fission of ²³³U for low energy neutrons (below 6 MeV) are calculated using nuclear evaporation theory with a semi-empirical method, in which the partition of the total excitation energy between the fission fragments for the n_th+²³³U fission reactions is determined by the available experimental and evaluation data. The calculated prompt fission neutron spectra agree well with the experimental data. The proportions of high-energy neutrons of prompt fission neutron spectrum versus incident neutron energies are investigated with the theoretical spectra, and the results are consistent with the systematics. The semi-empirical method could be a useful tool for the prompt evaluation of fission neutron spectra.     

Analysis of prompt fission neutron spectrum and multiplicity for 237Np（n,f） in the frame of multi-modal Los Alamos model

The improved version of Los Alamos model with the multi-modal fission approach is used to analyse the prompt fission neutron spectrum and multiplicity for the neutron-induced fission of 237Np. The spectra of neutrons emitted from fragments for the three most dominant fission modes (standard Ⅰ, standard Ⅱ and superlong) are calculated separately and the total spectrum is synthesized. The multi-modal parameters contained in the spectrum model are determined on the basis of experimental data of fission fragment mass distributions. The calculated total prompt fission neutron spectrum and multiplicity are better agreement with the experimental data than those obtained from the conventional treatment of the Los Alamos model.     

Multi-modal analysis for low energy neutron-induced fission of ~(235)U

Low energy neutron induced fission of ~(235)U is studied in the framework of the multi-modal fission model. The fission fragment properties, such as the yields, the average total kinetic energy distribution and the average neutron separation energy, are investigated for incident neutron energies from thermal to 6.0 MeV. The multi-modal fission approach is also used to evaluate the prompt fission neutron multiplicity and spectra for the neutron-induced fission of ~(235)U with an improved version of the Los Alamos model for incident neutrons below the (n, nf) threshold. The three most dominant fission modes are taken into account. The model parameters are determined on the basis of experimental data. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental data.     

Identification of a shape isomer in 235U

The shape isomer in 235U has been searched for in a neutron-induced fission experiment on 234U, which was performed at the isomer spectrometer NEPTUNE of the EC-JRC IRMM. A neutron source, with a tunable pulse frequency in the Hz to kHz range and its individually adjustable neutron pulse width in connection with an appropriate detector system turned out to be the ideal instrument to perform an isomer search, when decay half-lives above 100 micros are expected. From the delayed fission events observed for two different NEPTUNE settings and at mean incident neutron energies En=0.95 and 1.27 MeV the isomeric fission half-life could be determined to be T1/2=(3.6+/-1.8) ms. The corresponding cross section was determined to sigmaif=(10+/-8) microb. With these results an experimental confirmation for the existence of a superdeformed shape isomer in odd-uranium isotopes is given for the first time.     

Identification of a new isotope,168Dy

A previously unreported nuclide,¹⁶⁸Dy, has been identified and found to have a half-life of 8.5+-0.5 min. The activity was produced in the spontaneous fission of²⁵²Cf and transported via a He jet system to a rapid radiochemical separative facility where the Dy fraction was removed from the mixed fission products. The assignment of this activity to¹⁶⁸Dy decay was based on the presence of five γ rays in the chemically separated Dy fraction which were associated with the decay of an 8.5-min activity and on the observation of the grow-in and subsequent decay of the daughter, 2.98-min¹⁶⁸Ho, with approximately an 8-min half-life. The γ-ray emission probabilities have been determined.     

High resolution spectroscopy of84m Rb and86m Rb

Gamma radiations from^84m Rb and^86m Rb, produced by (n, 2n) reaction on⁸⁵Rb and⁸⁷Rb respectively, have been studied using a high resolution Ge(Li) spectrometer. Gamma rays of 216.3±0.25, 248.2±0.25 and 464.5±0.25 keV have been found decaying with 20 min half-life and are assigned to^84m Rb. A single gamma ray of 556.1±0.25 keV was found to decay with 62 sec half-life and has been assigned to^86m Rb. The results are incorporated into decay schemes for the two isomers.     

First absolute mass measurements of short-lived isotopes

Absolute mass measurements of short-lived isotopes have been performed at the on-line mass separator ISOLDE at CERN by determining the cyclotron frequencies of ions confined in a Penning trap. The cyclotron frequencies for^{77,78,85,86,88}Rb and⁸⁸Sr ions could be determined with a resolving power of 3×10⁵ and an accuracy of better than 10⁻⁶, which corresponds to 100 keV for massA=100. The shortest-lived isotope under investigation was⁷⁷Rb with a half-life of 3.7 min. The resonances obtained for the isobars⁸⁸Rb and⁸⁸Sr were clearly resolved.     

Experimental Cross Sections of Fission Fragments of Thorium-232 Irradiated with Medium-Energy Protons

This paper is focused on fission of Th-232 nuclei induced by protons with energies ranging from 20 to 140 MeV. This energy range is the most informative for studying the competition between asymmetric and symmetric fission modes. Experimental cross sections of production of radionuclides in thorium targets have been determined a year after irradiation. The corresponding theoretical values are calculated using the cascade–evaporation–fission model. The theoretical and experimental cross sections (literature data included) are compared.