Improvement of the determination of hydrogen content in a multicomponent sample by D—T generator

If a D T generator is used as a neutron source to simultaneously measure the content of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a multicomponent sample by NIPGA （Neutron Induced Prompt Gamma-ray Analysis）, the 14 MeV neutron flux can be regarded as a constant value. The relationship between the production of the hydrogen characteristic gamma-rays and its content is nonlinear. In this paper, we use MCNP （Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport code） to simulate the relationship and analyze it. In practical measurement of the characteristic gamma-ray, it＇s impossible to get the net count. Therefore, we use the experiment to obtain the relationship between the hydrogen content and the total count of its characteristic gamma-rays. If we use the relationship combined with the simulation result to calculate the hydrogen content, the metrical precision can be much increased. The deviation of hydrogen content between NIPGA and chemical analysis is less than 0.25%, which meets the requirement of coal industry.     

大质量样品厚度对中子活化定量分析的影响和修正

滑石粉的主要化学成分是Mg3[Si_4010](OH)_2,通过检测面粉中~(24)Mg和~(28)Si原子核的含量,可以计算出面粉中滑石粉的含量.利用中子活化分析方法测量面粉中~(24)Mg和~(28)Si原子核的含量问题时,被测样品内部中子通量和能量随厚度的变化以及γ射线自吸收效应会对测量结果有较大的影响.利用MCNP5 (Monte Carlo N-particle transport code system 5)模拟了中子通量和能量与样品厚度变化的关系,并利用氦3正比计数管测量样品不同厚度处中子通量,结果显示MCNP5模拟结果与实验测量结果基本相符.通过MCNP5模拟和碘化钠探测器测量,研究了γ射线自吸收效应与样品厚度的关系,确定了6.6 cm的样品厚度为最佳实验条件,根据模拟结果给出了特征γ射线计数与样品厚度的关系式,并与实验进行对比,结果符合得较好.     

Dosimetry and spectrometry at accelerator based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy

An innovative accelerator-based neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy has started operation at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics, Novosibirsk. This facility is based on a compact vacuum insulation tandem accelerator designed to produce proton current up to 10 mA. Epithermal neutrons are proposed to be generated by 1.915 MeV protons bombarding a lithium target using ⁷Li(p,n)⁷Be threshold reaction.In the article, techniques to detect neutron and gamma-rays at the facility are described. Gamma radiation is measured with NaI and BGO gamma-spectrometers. The total yield of neutrons is determined by measuring the 477 keV γ-quanta from beryllium decay. For the rough analysis of the generated neutron spectrum we used bubble detectors. As the epithermal neutrons are of interest for neutron capture therapy the NaI detector is used as activation detector. We plan to use a time-of-flight technique for neutron spectra measurement. To realize this technique a new solution of short time neutron generation is proposed.     

基于PGNAA的化学武器识别

未知化学武器弹药的定性识别在犀护社会安全方面是十分重要的,可指导化学武器的分类处理。瞬发伽马射线中子活化分析（PGNAA）技术利用分析活化产生的伽马射线能谱可以实现对物质中元素的无损,快速检测,在化学武器识别中具有独特的优势。因此,本研究基于PGNAA技术进行了化学武器弹药类型识别装置的设计,同时使用逻辑树判别方法对化学武器样品进行定性分析。首先,基于高纯锗（HPGe）探测器与Cf-252中子源,使用蒙特卡罗MCNP程序对装置结构进行设计优化,主要包括中子源容器尺寸、伽马屏蔽体厚度以及探测器相对位置等。为了最大化样品活化产生的特征伽马射线,需要提高样品位置处的热中子通量,采用聚乙烯作为慢化体,模拟结果显示聚乙烯厚度达到6 cm,宽度达到12 cm时,样品中热中子通量达到较高水平。为了降低周围材料活化噪声的干扰,选择铅作为屏蔽结构,模拟显示铅屏蔽厚度达到5 cm时,可满足屏蔽要求。同时,探测器与样品之间的距离也会影响对伽马射线的探测,最终模拟确定探测器与样品之间的距离为28 cm时,特征信号计数最高。根据优化结果搭建测量装置,使用分析纯试剂根据真实化学武器元素含量配制化学武器模拟样品,通过对5种化学武器模拟样品的测量获得伽马能谱。对能谱中的特征峰处理过程中,基于特征峰对元素进行分析,针对计数统计性较好的元素（如H,Cl,S）的特征峰,使用高斯及多项式拟合的方式对特征峰处的高能量康普顿平台进行扣除,获得特征伽马射线的全能峰信息。而对统计性较差的元素特征峰（如N元素的10.829 MeV）,采用能量区间加和法,对该能量下的全能峰至单逃逸峰之间的计数求和,进而可确定该元素在样品中的存在情况,最后利用建立的逻辑树判别方法根据元素存在信息对样品类型进行判别。实验结果表明,利用该优化的装置可以获得5种模拟样品的能谱,结合能谱分析方法可以得到化学武器模拟样品中的H,Cl,S和N等元素的存在信息,最后使用逻辑树判别方法可以对化学武器样品种类进行判别。     

Determination of Gravitomagnetic Field Through GRBs or X-ray Pulsars

In gauge theory of gravity, there is direct coupling between the spin of a particle and gravitomagnetic field, which will affect Landau level. In the surface of a neutron star or near a black hole, the coupling energy between spin and gravitomagnetic field can be large and detectable. Precise measurement of the position of spectrum lines of the corresponding emission or absorption can help us to determine the gravitomagnetic field and electromagnetic field simultaneously. The ratio ΔE_e/ΔE_p can be served as a quantitative criteria of black hole. In GRBs or X-ray pulsar, absorption spectral lines of electron were observed. If the absorption spectral lines of electron, neutron and proton can be observed simultaneously, using the method given in this paper, we can determine the gravitomagnetic field in the surface of the star, and discriminate black hole from neutron star.     

Development of a semi-autonomous directional and spectroscopic radiation detection mobile platform

This paper presents a method for a small, inexpensive mobile robot equipped with a single high resolution scintillation detector to quickly survey an area and convey information about local sources of gamma radiation to a remote human operator. This is achieved by surrounding the detector with a lead sheath that blocks all gamma-rays except those incident along the detector's axial direction. A 180° horizontal scan is performed by rotating the detector and a directional profile of gamma radiation is constructed. In addition, a 180° visual panorama of the local area is assembled using a camera mounted on the detector. A plot of the detector count rate versus angle is then overlaid on top of the visual panorama and visible peaks clearly indicate the direction of local gamma radiation sources. Measuring the energy spectrum of gamma-rays in each direction produces a 2D count frequency histogram where distinct peaks indicate the energy and direction of local gamma-ray sources allowing the identification of different radio-isotopes. The mobile robot can use the peaks as goal directions and autonomously move towards gamma-ray sources.     

D-T中子源n-γ密度测井规律的蒙特卡罗模拟

根据D-T反应中子的能谱和角分布数据,建立了中子源模型;根据石灰岩地层标准刻度井群数据,建立了井模型。采用MCNP程序模拟了井中中子和射线的输运,得到了不同地层密度、不同源距处NaI探测器中的混合能谱和非弹能谱。在混合能谱2.5~4.5 MeV能区开窗,混合射线相对计数随源距的变化曲线显示,源距应选择在20~80 cm,密度与混合射线计数之间呈现非线性关系。在非弹能谱1.0~8.0 MeV能区开窗,非弹射线相对计数随源距的变化数据显示,源距应选择在20~40 cm或80 cm附近,密度与非弹射线计数之间成近似线性关系。     

Analysis of iris-loaded resonance cavity in miniaturized maser

The size reduction of atomic clocks is a long-standing research issue. Many atomic clocks such as passive hydrogen masers(PHMs) and compact rubidium masers(CRMs) use iris-loaded resonance cavities(IRCs) as their microwave cavities because they can dramatically reduce the radical sizes of the atomic clocks. In this paper, the electromagnetic characteristic of the IRC is investigated by a theoretical model based on electromagnetic field theory. The formulas to calculate the resonance frequency, quality factor, and magnetic energy filling factor are presented. The relationship between the IRC structure and its electromagnetic characteristic is clarified. The theoretical calculation results accord well with the electromagnetic software simulations and experimental results. The results in this paper should be helpful in understanding the physical mechanism of the IRC and designing the atomic clocks.     

Coded-aperture imaging systems: Past,present and future development – A review

Scintillator based coded-aperture imaging has proven to be effective when applied for X- and gamma-ray detection. Adaptation of the same method for neutron imaging has resulted in a number of propitious systems, which could be potentially employed for neutron detection in security and nuclear decommissioning applications. Recently developed scintillator based coded-aperture imagers reveal that localisation of neutron sources using this technique may be feasible, since pulse shape discrimination algorithms implemented in the digital domain can reliably separate gamma-rays from fast neutron interactions occurring within an organic scintillator. Moreover, recent advancements in the development of solid organic scintillators make them a viable solution for nuclear decommissioning applications as they present less hazardous characteristics than currently dominating liquid scintillation detectors. In this paper existing applications of coded-apertures for radiation detection are critically reviewed, highlighting potential improvements for coded-aperture based neutron source localisation. Further, the suitability of coded-apertures for neutron imaging in nuclear decommissioning is also assessed using Monte-Carlo modelling.     

无机盐混合溶液的太赫兹光谱定量分析

太赫兹生物医学是当前光谱研究领域的前沿热点,其主要难点在于如何在有效避免水分干扰的同时,实现复杂生物体系组分的精准分析。太赫兹光谱产生于分子振动的信息,其吸收谱较弱,吸收峰严重重叠,且多组分复杂样品的太赫兹光谱往往不是各组分光谱的简单叠加,难以用传统的峰高、峰面积标定技术进行定量计算。但采用多元校正技术可以方便地实现太赫兹光谱的定量分析,使太赫兹光谱成为一种快速、简便且适用范围广泛的分析技术。以KCl和NaCl的无机盐混合体系为典型研究体系,两种组分的浓度范围均为0.1～2 mol·L-1,浓度间隔为0.1 mol·L-1。获取20组浓度配比不同的混合溶液的吸收系数和折射率,巧妙利用水溶液体系中无机金属离子的水合氢键作用,由此采集无机盐溶液体系的太赫兹时域光谱,提取各组分的特征信息,建立多尺度数据驱动的定量分析模型,有望实现水溶液中无机金属离子的定量分析。针对太赫兹光谱数据规模大、基质干扰强及数据关联复杂等特点,构建复杂二维小波变换、多变量筛选、贝叶斯数据挖掘、深度学习和数据关联性分析技术为一体的算法数据库,由此构建基于多尺度数据驱动的太赫兹光谱解析方法。论文依据正交实验的原则,构建具备良好数据结构特征的混合溶液数据集,引导后续的光谱解析方法准确提取无机金属离子水合氢键信息。在此基础上,发展自适应算法,寻找光谱数据变量与浓度间的关系,并采用变量筛选技术,从原始光谱数据中提取无机盐水合氢键的特征信息,最终构建浓度与特征信息之间的数据驱动模型。计算结果表明,KCl和NaCl组分的预测误差分别为8.0%和9.1%,能有效满足大部分应用的检测精度要求。多尺度数据驱动模型方法充分利用太赫兹光谱信号的时域和频域多尺度特性,实现数据预处理与多元校正的一体化运算以避免重要信息丢失,具备高度自适应特征。因此,基于数据驱动建模的太赫兹光谱分析新方法为太赫兹生物医学研究提供了新思路。     

Hydrogen distribution in Nb/Ta superlattices

The distribution of hydrogen in Nb/Ta superlattices has been investigated by combined neutron reflectivity and x-ray scattering. We provide evidence to support that strain modulations determined with x-ray diffraction can be interpreted as modulations in hydrogen content. We show that the hydrogen concentration is modulated and favors Nb, in agreement with previous studies. We measure the concentration directly using neutron reflectivity and demonstrate no detectable change in the distribution of hydrogen with temperature, in stark contrast to previous studies.     

Ag110m的衰变纲图

利用γ闪烁谱仪和γ—γ符合谱仪,我们对Ag^110m衰变的γ射线进行了研究;提出了一个修正的衰变纲图,认为Cd¹¹⁰有656kev,1473kev,1540kev,2160kev,2219kev,2476kev和2924kev七个激发能级,包含有能量为448,620,656,679,705,741,764,817,884,936,1384,1473,1504和1560kev的14条γ射线。用符合方法,我们除了证实一般公认为有级联关系的γ射线之间有符合之外,还确定了1560kevγ射线在衰变图中的位置,证实了764kevγ射线应该放在1504kevγ射线的前面,并且指出,817kevγ射线是属于1473kev能级到656kev能级间的跃迁的。此外,还观察到1820kev和2268kev两个峰;经过用吸收方法分析,指出它们是由于低能量的γ射线“堆积”起来的迭加峰。     

脉冲源法测量次临界系统裂变衰减特性的理论分析和数值模拟

针对点堆动力学理论解释脉冲源法测试原理时存在的问题, 基于无源中子输运方程分析次临界系统总中子数、泄漏γ射线计数率随时间的变化关系。理论分析表明: 脉冲中子源作用结束后(无源条件下), 在一定时间范围内, 泄漏γ射线计数率和总中子数近似成正比, 两者随时间变化服从近似指数衰减规律, 反映系统本身的裂变衰减特性, 可以由总中子数和γ射线计数率求解瞬发中子衰减时间常数。基于蒙特卡罗程序构造类Godiva裸铀球次临界系统, 模拟脉冲中子源作用下中子和γ射线输运过程, 计算总中子数、泄漏γ射线计数率及两者比值随时间的变化关系, 结果与理论分析一致; 利用脉冲源法由总中子数、泄漏γ射线计数率计算瞬发中子衰减时间常数α₀, 得到与α-k迭代一致的α₀。说明总中子数、泄漏γ射线计数率可以准确反映系统本身的裂变衰减特性。此外, 根据理论分析和模拟计算给出脉冲源法可用数据的时间范围, 分析泄漏γ射线计数率和总中子数比值的影响因素。     

Remote quantum mechanical detection of gravitational radiation

The presumed existence of atomic hydrogen in the vicinity of sources of gravitational radiation suggests its use as a radiation detector. Curvature-induced atomic energy level shifts carry a unique signature and could thus provide for remote detection of gravitational radiation. We investigate the shifts induced by space-time curvature arising from gravitational waves. The effect is studied for both low-lying and highly excited states of atomic hydrogen. Numerical results are quoted for radiation from various sources, including binary star systems, binary neutron stars, binary black holes, collapsing stars, and pulsars. In addition, we provide a theoretical upper limit to the magnitude of the effect. For completeness, we examine the shifts induced in a harmonic oscillator as well as a rigid rotator.     

密闭实验大厅内散射中子注量的模拟研究

为能够快速评判实验测试方案和预估实验结果,建立了中子体通量的快速估算模型。理论上,封闭空间中子平均体通量与特征长度的平方成反比,且中子体通量的大小能反映散射中子注量强弱。采用蒙特卡罗模拟方法,计算得到了密闭实验大厅内中子的体通量,以及不同位置处的散射中子注量,并将模拟得到的体通量和散射中子注量拟合成便于工程实践中应用的解析表达式,拟合结果与模拟结果的相对偏差小于10%。研究结果表明,球形空间内中子的体通量与球半径的1.905次方成反比;密闭实验大厅的中子体通量与大厅横截面宽度的1.948次方成反比,与长宽比的0.775次方成反比;球形空间结构内,每个源中子的平均径迹长度约为半径的5.4倍,而长方体密闭实验大厅内,单个源中子的平均径迹长度为大厅特征尺度的2~3倍。     

铝基碳化硼材料中子屏蔽性能的蒙特卡罗模拟

采用蒙特卡罗方法, 运用MCNP4C程序研究了碳化硼含量20%–40%、中子能量200 eV–15 keV、材料厚度0.3–2 cm对B₄C/Al复合材料中子屏蔽性能的影响. 结果表明: 碳化硼含量与中子透射系数呈一次线性下降关系; 同含量的碳化硼, B₄C/Al材料的中子屏蔽效果要大大优于聚乙烯碳化硼材料; 在等厚度条件下, 模拟试样B20等的中子屏蔽效果要优于水、铜、混凝土等常规屏蔽材料; 材料厚度与中子透射系数呈指数下降关系, 且单位厚度的增加对中子透射系数改变很大; 含硼量对热中子透射系数影响很大; 在热中子能区, 中子每单位能量的变化对中子透射系数改变较大; 在慢中子能区, 中子每单位能量的变化对中子透射系数改变很小. 关键词： 中子透射系数 蒙特卡罗 铝基复合材料 碳化硼     

Thermal properties and detectability of neutron stars - I cooling and heating of neutron stars

In this report, we first review earlier and recent developments in some of thermodynamic problems of neutron stars, especially those involving cooling mechanisms and theoretical predictions of surface temperatures of neutron stars. Emphasis is placed particularly on: the effect of equations of state and hence that of nuclear and strong interactions; the effect of better treatment of various neutrino cooling mechanisms, especially those involving pion condensates; and implication of these better and more detailed theoretical estimates on the prospect of directly observing thermal radiation from the surface of neutron stars. In connection with the last problem, we briefly review recent developments on the observational side — the HEAO-B and other programs already existing or expected to be planned for near future, which are directly related to the above problem. In connection with the possibilities of observing older neutron stars we briefly summarise various heating mechanisms.From these studies, we see that exciting possibilities exist through the HEAO-B and some other programs which may be realised in the 1980's, that we may observe radiation directly from neutron star surfaces if they are ? (3?5) × 10⁵°K. If such radiation is detected, the observed surface temperatures and further spectral studies may give invaluable insight into various important problems, such as magnetic properties of dense matter, equations of state, pion condensates, and other fundamental problems in nuclear, particle and high energy physics. If the surface temperatures of younger members of these stars (? 10⁴ years) are observationally found to be less than ≈ (5?10) × 10⁵°K (depending on the individual objects), we note that at the moment only pion coolings are consistent with observations, and the outcome may be equally far reaching. Among various observed neutron stars (pulsars) and neutron star candidates (e.g. supernova remnants), the Vela pulsar may prove to be the most rewarding one. If regular pulsar-like periodicities are discovered in radiations from any of supernova remnants, we can assume the presence of neutron stars in these objects. In that case, some supernova remnants, such as SN 1006, may also turn out to be promising. If we defect surface radiations from older pulsars (? 10⁵ years), that may support some of heating theories. At the end, we point out that there may be many point sources of very soft weak thermal X-rays across the sky (as old neutron stars accrete interstellar matter) and some of the closest ones may be detectable through the HEAO-B and similar devices.     

能量色散X荧光分析中元素间效应的蒙特卡罗模拟

针对能量色散X荧光分析(EDXRF)技术中元素间效应实验研究的难点问题,采用蒙特卡罗方法对基于Si（PIN）探测器的EDXRF系统建立模拟模型,并对模拟微束软X射线注量谱建立了高斯展宽算法。对Fe-Ni样品进行模拟计算,表明经该算法展宽后的注量谱与实测K系特征X射线谱吻合度较高,并得到了各元素特征X射线归一计数与元素含量关系曲线,结果表明该方法可自行校正EDXRF中元素间效应,获得准确的元素K系特征X射线谱理论强度。     

Nuclear gamma-ray emission from antiproton annihilation at rest in uranium

We have observed low energy nuclear gamma-rays, which we interpret as coming from fission fragments, from antiproton annihilation at rest in a uranium target. The high gamma-ray and previously reported fission neutron temperatures, as well as large relative neutron-to-gamma ray yields, suggest a high level of excitation of the fission fragments.     

Reduction of surface hydrogen on ultra cold neutron container materials by ion bombardement

The hydrogen concentration near to the surface of some typical ultra cold neutron container materials has been measured with theH(¹¹ B, ) 2 reaction. The concentration of 2 – 3 × 10¹⁶ H atoms/cm² is in agreement with results obtained by other methods. Using theoretical neutron scattering cross sections we confirm that at room temperature the experimentally known high UCN reflection loss rate could be caused by the measured concentration of hydrogen. The original hydrogen content has been reduced by ion bombardment to about one tenth of its original value. The redeposition of hydrogen has been studied as a function of the residual pressure. We conclude that it is possible to produce by sputtering container surfaces with hydrogen (and other surface impurity) contents sufficiently low and stable to test directly with UCN whether their losses are mainly due to upscattering on impurities or not.