Trapping and release of rare gases by 304L stainless steel

Helium andargon ions in the energy range 100 to 1400 eV and at doses varying from 10¹² to 10¹⁵ ions/cm² were implanted in a 304L stainless steel sample. Following implantation a linear temperature increase of the sample caused the gases to be released. The thermal release rates were studied as a function of ion dose and energy. The maxima observed in the thermal release rates are used to determine activation energies for thermally activated processes occurring in the metal. A rapid increase in the CO release rate coincident with the highest temperature He re-emission maximum indicates that the same mechanism is responsible for the release of both CO and He. It is suggested that the transport mechanisms revealed here are important in controlling void formations in neutron irradiated metals.     

Absence of voids in fast neutron irradiated zirconium by small angle neutron scattering

Abstract

The aim of this research was to resolve a difference of opinion in the literature on the presence of voids in fast neutron irradiated zirconium. There is a great interest in the study of zirconium, since zirconium and its alloys are used extensively in modern power reactors, for example in the fuel rods as a containment material for enriched uranium. A polycrystalline sample of zirconium was irradiated in the HERALD reactor at 40°C with 10²⁰ fast neutrons per cm^?2. The neutron scattering from irradiated and unirradiated standard samples was studied over a wide Q range from 0.001 to 1.12 Å^?1 on a D11 Spectrometer at the ILL (France). The defect cross-section (the difference between the scattering of the standard zirconium crystal and irradiated crystal) was nearly flat as a function of Q (momentum transfer vector) with an average value of 8.5 mb/Str/atom. This indicates a point defect concentration of about 1.8%. Thus the absence of any small angle (Q dependent) defect scattering indicates that large damage regions (e.g. voids) are not produced in zirconium by fast neutron irradiation.     

Neutron scattering and neutron emission cross sections on 27Al, 93Nb and 209Bi at 7 MeV

Elastic and inelastic neutron scattering and neutron emission at 7 MeV incident energy has been studied for monoisotopic samples of ²⁷Al, ⁹³Nb and ²⁰⁹Bi. Time-of-flight spectra were taken at nine angles between 30° and 140° using the beam-swinger spectrometer. The efficiency of the neutron detectors was maximized using a dynamic bias; low background was obtained throughout the neutron energy detected which correspond to about 6 MeV excitation energy. The data were converted to energy spectra and corrected for sample attenuation, finite geometry and multiple scattering. For unresolved states the data were averaged over 0.5 MeV energy bins. Calculations for elastic and inelastic transitions and for compound and precompound processes are presented.     

Ceramic high pressure cell with profiled anvils for neutron diffraction investigations (up to 7 GPa)

Abstract

A high pressure cell with profiled anvils for neutron diffraction investigations has been designed and tested. The matrices of the cell are made of alloyed aluminium oxide ceramic. The reliable working pressure range of the cell is up to 7 GPa at a sample volume of 64 mm³. The cell attenuates the neutron flux not more than four times, with the transmission of the cell very slightly depending on neutron wavelength.     

Ion diffusion-controlled thermally stimulated processes in X-ray irradiated halide crystals

The ionic and ion diffusion-controlled thermally stimulated relaxation (TSR) processes in CaF 2 , BaF 2 , LiBaF 3 and KBr crystals were investigated above 290 v K by means of the ionic conductivity, ionic thermally stimulated depolarisation current (TSDC) and thermal bleaching techniques. Under a DC field the halide crystals store large ionic space charge. We were able to detect in CaF 2 , BaF 2 , LiBaF 3 and KBr in the extrinsic ionic conductivity region a series of the ionic defect (the interstitial anion and/or anion vacancies - in fluorides; the cation vacancies - in KBr) release stages: 3-6 wide and overlapping ionic TSDC peaks. The correlated data of the ionic TSDC and the F band thermal evidence that above 290 v K the TSR processes are initiated and controlled by the ionic defect thermal detrapping, migration and interaction with the localised electronic and ionic charges and colour centres. The ion diffusion-controlled TSR processes take place in the above halide crystals.     

Investigations of texture formation in geomaterials by neutron diffraction with high pressure chambers

Abstract

This paper suggests a classification of texture in quartzitic rocks. Possible mechanisms of texture formation and their relation to tectonic processes are discussed.

A scheme for the experimental varification of some models describing the evolution of deformation structures in geological materials in dependence on various erxternal conditions (high pressures, temperatures, various loadings, etc.) acting on a sample is proposed.

To investigate “in situ” the mechanisms of texture formation in rocks, high pressure devices are under construction. They will be built of a special T_i ? Z_r alloy, which has zero coherent scattering lenght and therefore is well suited for neutron diffraction investigations. Two different devices are proposed. The first one allows neutron diffraction measurements of sample volumes up to 4 cm³, a hydrostatic pressure of 1, 5 GPa, a temperature of 300° C, and uniaxial compression up to 50 kN. Pressure temperature and axial load are measured inside the chamber. Besides during the experiment, diagrams of load, elastic wave velocities and acoustic emission will be recorded. The second chamber is designed to investigate the mechanisms of texture formation in polycrystal samples (rocks or their imitations) at temperatures up to 800° C and axial compression with a force of up to 150 kN.     

Ion diffusion-controlled thermally stimulated processes in x-ray irradiated halide crystals

The ionic and ion diffusion-controlled thermally stimulated relaxation (TSR) processes in CaF₂, BaF₂, LiBaF₃ and KBr crystals were investigated above 290 K by means of the ionic conductivity, ionic thermally stimulated depolarisation current (TSDC) and thermal bleaching techniques. Under a DC field the halide crystals store large ionic space charge. We were able to detect in CaF₂, BaF₂, LiBaF₃ and KBr in the extrinsic ionic conductivity region a series of the ionic defect (the interstitial anion and/or anion vacancies - in fluorides; the cation vacancies - in KBr) release stages: 3-6 wide and overlapping ionic TSDC peaks. The correlated data of the ionic TSDC and the F band thermal show that above 290 K the TSR processes are initiated and controlled by the ionic defect thermal detrapping, migration and interaction with the localised electronic and ionic charges and colour centres. The ion diffusion-controlled TSR processes take place in the above halide crystals.     

Two-dimensional ordering in 1-propanol-graphite-oxide intercalates: isotopic effects

ABSTRACT

Intercalation of fully deuterated 1-propyl alcohol into graphite oxide is studied by means of the unique capabilities offered by the NIMROD neutron diffractometer. We develop methods to estimate the amount of intercalant present within the neutron irradiated volume using for the purpose of the set of constraints implicit in the outputs of the Gudrun diffraction data treatment software. The results are compared to those from our previous study on of fully hydrogenated 1-propanol intercalation [C. Cabrillo, F. Barroso-Bujans, R. Fernandez-Perea, F. Fernandez-Alonso, D. Bowron and F.J. Bermejo, Carbon 100, 546 (2016)] where a two-dimensional ordering transition under slow heating from 100?K was discovered. The rearrangement of the 1-propanol molecular pillars did allow for the formation of bilayer intercalation. In contrast, sample deuteration leads to remarkable differences in both the intercalation kinetics and intercalate thermal response, avoiding the two-dimensional transition which would lead to bilayer formation. Finally, neutron diffraction results have enabled us to disentangle the highly anomalous behaviour exhibited by hitherto unpublished broad band dielectric spectroscopy studies which are now understood on the basis of the two-dimensional transition just referred to.     

Electrically active defect annealing in neutron and in ion-damaged Si

Hall effect and electrical conductivity measurements of defect annealing in 1 ohm-cm n-type and 2 ohm-cm p-type silicon were made following neutron irradiation at ～50°C. Measurements were also made following 400-keV B¹¹ ion implantation into a 100 ohm-cm n-type Si substrate. As the neutron fluence is increased the electrical effects of the damage eventually outweigh those of the chemical dopants, and further changes in the electrical properties become small. Conversely, significant electrical recovery upon annealing begins only when the electrical effects of the remaining damage become comparable to those of the chemical dopants. This condition will occur at higher anneal temperatures for higher fluence irradiations. The neutron fluence dependence of the damage and the annealing is interpreted in terms of the neutron energy per cm³. E, spent in atomic processes divided by the number/cm³, N, of electrically active dopants. When E/N ≤ 0.5 keV the electrical measurements show that the predominant defect annealing occurs below 400°C. However, when E/N > 0.5 keV electrical measurements emphasize the annealing at temperatures > 400°C. After 500°C annealing, energy levels in neutron damaged Si are observed at E_v +0.1 and E_v +0.15 eV in p-type and at E_c -0.33 eV in n-type Si. Application of the E/N criteria to room temperature implant-doped Si predicts that the electrical effects will be dominated by lattice damage even if all the implanted ions are substitutional.     

Kinetic energy spectrum and polarization of neutrons from the reaction 12C(p,n)X at 590 MeV

Abstact: The kinetic energy spectrum and the polarization of the PSI neutron beam produced in the reaction ¹²C(p,n)X at 0° with 590 MeV polarized protons were investigated. A strong energy dependence of the neutron beam polarization is observed which was not expected at the time the neutron beam was built. Received: 3 April 1998     

Radiation defects in germanium. radiation defects annealed at ∼260°C in n-type germanium

Abstract

Point defects produced by neutron, electron or γ-ray irradiation were studied by electrical measurements. The defect levels were analyzed by DLTS technique. Annealing of radiation induced defects at about 260°C was obtained in 20 min isochronal annealings. Annealed fraction of the 260°C stage was obtained to be 85% in arsenic-doped crystals and independent of the species of irradiating particle. The value in antimony-doped and oxygen-doped specimens were 25 and 70%, respectively. The activation energy was found to be 1.6 eV and the annealing kinetics were first order. A tentative model for the defect responsible at the 260°C stage is a vacancy complex.     

Modified Bridgman anvils for high pressure synthesis and neutron scattering

ABSTRACT

A simple modified Bridgman design for large volume pressure anvils usable in the Paris-Edinburgh (PE) press has been demonstrated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Spallation Neutron Source. The design shows advantages over the toroidal anvils typically used in the PE press, mainly rapid compression/decompression rates, complete absence of blow-outs upon drastic phase transitions, simplified cooling, high reliability, and relative low loads (～40 tons) corresponding to relatively high pressures (～20?GPa). It also shows advantages over existing large-volume diamond cells as sample volumes of ～2–3?mm³ can be easily and rapidly synthesized. The anvils thus allow sample sizes sufficient for in situ neutron diffraction as well as rapid synthesis of adequate amounts of new materials for ex situ analysis via total neutron scattering and neutron spectroscopy.     

Possible observation of Kondo screening cloud in Yb14MnSb11 *

ABSTRACT

Single crystals of the underscreened Kondo ferromagnet Yb₁₄MnSb₁₁ were investigated using polarised neutron diffraction and magnetisation measurements. The magnitude and direction of the magnetisation at each of the 9 distinct crystallographic sites was measured using polarised neutron diffraction. A large moment of close to 4.2?μ_B was found at the unique Mn site. A compensating antiferromagnetic moment of ≈?0.5?μ_B was found to be distributed uniformly among the remaining Yb and Sb sites, which was not expected from a previous theoretical calculation. The compensating magnetisation, however, is consistent both in size and magnitude with the expected Kondo screening cloud.     

Lattice deffects in rutile,TiO2

Abstract

Rutile, TiO₂ having relatively high melting point exhibits strong optical absorption after neutron irradiation (8 × 10¹⁶ n_r/cm²) at 15K. The band peak is located near 0. 96 μ having FWHM 0. 87 eV (at LNT). After inverse recovery at 120K, lattice defects due probably to F centers are annealed out at about 220K.     

Environmental neutron measurements with solid state track recorders

Abstract

The suitability of using ¹⁰B and ⁵LiF in contact with cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) for the measurement of slow neutron densities has been investigated. The upper energy threshold of clear Diacel cellulose nitrate (CN) and of the CAB have also been measured. The CAB in good contact with thick ¹⁰B or ⁵LiF sources offers good promise for the detection of slow neutrons. For the actual CAB samples used, the CAB-¹⁰B combination had an efficiency of ～1.3 × 10^?2 tracks per thermal neutron incident in a 2π solid angle. The corresponding number for the CAB⁶-Li combination is ～5.6 × 10^?3 tracks per thermal neutron.     

Piezospectroscopic study (78°K) of radiation- produced absorption bands in Si†

Abstract

A detailed study has been made on two sharp sub-bands, 3.45 μ (2900 cm^?1) and 3.61 μ (2765 cm^?1) of the 3.3 μ broad defect absorption band in irradiated Si. Our results indicate that the 3.45 μ and 3.61 μ bands are observed in all types of Si (n-, p-type, and intrinsic) subjected to fast neutron reactor irradiation. Spectra were measured at 78 °K under the effect of a variable uniaxial compressive stress with polarized light. A relatively large dichroism is observed for all three stress directions ?100?, ?110?, and ?111?. We also confirm that both sharp bands exhibit splitting and energy shifts under the action of stress. The model of the divacancy defect given by Watkins and Corbett⁽⁵⁾ has been utilized to explain the data. The dichroism can be accounted for by the effects of Jahn-Teller alignment which arises from the strong bonding of nearest neighbor atoms of the divacancy. The splittings of the bands are small indicating that the Jahn-Teller distortion is little altered in the ground and excited states. The splittings appear to be most sensitive to stress along the vacancy-vacancy axis and a tentative model for the transitions is given.     

CdZnTe <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">γ</Emphasis> detector for deep inelastic neutron scattering on the VESUVIO spectrometer

In this paper it is shown that solid-state cadmium-zinc-telluride (CZT) is a promising photon detector for neutron spectroscopy in a wide energy interval, ranging from thermal (25 meV) to epithermal (70 eV) neutron energies. In the present study two CZT detectors were tested as part of the inverse-geometry neutron spectrometer VESUVIO operating at the ISIS pulsed neutron source. The response of the CZT detector to photon emission from radiative neutron capture in ²³⁸U was determined by biparametric measurements of neutron time of flight and photon energy. The scattering response function F(y) from a Pb sample has been derived using both CZT and conventional ⁶Li-glass scintillator detectors. The former showed both an improved signal to background ratio and higher efficiency as compared to ⁶Li glass, allowing us to measure F(y) up to the fourth ²³⁸U absorption energy (E_r=66.02 eV). Due to the small size of CZT detectors, their use is envisaged in arrays, with high spatial resolution, for neutron-scattering studies at high energy (>1 eV) and low wavevector (q <10 Å^-1) transfers. PACS 29.30.Hs; 29.30.Kv; 29.40.Kw; 61.12.Ek     

Ion storage in Kingdon trap

Abstract

The characteristics of stored ions in a Kingdon trap have been investigated. The charge distribution of stored ions was measured by a time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. Storage of Ar^q+ (q = 1, 2, 3, 4) produced by electron beam irradiation has been confirmed. The dependences of Ar ion yields on the trapping potential and storage time have been systematically studied.

Applying a voltage to end plates is very important for the storage of ions. Remarkable oscillations of the ion yields are found in the decay curves as a function of storage time for Ar⁺, Ar²⁺ and Ar³⁺ indicating periodical motion of each ion group about the central wire. The three dimensional orbits of ions in the trap are analysed by a computer calculation to understand the experimental results.     

Inkorporation von 15N-markiertem Harnstoff in Organogene Dünge- und Abfallstoffe während der Rotte

Abstract

Eight organic fertilizers and wastes enriched with ¹⁵N labelled urea were stored at 25°C for one year. At the end of the experiment the ¹⁵N recovery rate ranged between 24 and 100%. The distributions of inorganic nitrogen (NH₄- and NO₃-N) and organic nitrogen (fulvic acids, humic acids and non extractable substances) are ascertained. Between the test materials, there are great differences in incorporation parameters.     

Radiative process in strong magnetic fields

Abstract

The behavior of electromagnetic processes in strong magnetic fields is currently of great interest in high-energy astrophysics. Observations of neutron stars indicate that magnetic fields larger than 10¹² Gauss exist in nature. In fields this strong, where electrons behave much as if they were in bound atomic states, familiar processes undergo profound changes and exotic processes become important. Strong magnetic fields affect the physics in several fundamental ways: energies prependicular to the field are quantized, transverse momentum is not conserved and electron/positron spin is important. The relaxation of transverse mometum conservation allows first order processes and their inverses: one-photon pair production and annihilation, synchrotron/cyclotron radiation and absorption, which are kinematically forbidden under field-free conditions. The first two are essentially quantum-mechanical and hence significant only in fields whose strength approaches the critical field, B _cr = 4.414 × 10¹³ Gauss. One-photon pair production is likely to be the dominant source of e ⁺ -e ^? pairs in fields exceeding 10¹² Gauss. While synchrotron radiation and absorption are observable as classical electromagnetic processes in weak fields, they are considerably different in high fields, where the classical synchrotron radiation formulae can violate conservation of energy, and predict too large an emissivity and electron energy loss rate. The second-order processes: two-photon pair production and annihilation and Compton Scattering, are also modified in strong fields. The discreteness of e ⁺ - e^? pair states causes resonant behavior in the cross sections and decreases the second-order rates from their free-space values. These processes play an important role in modelling high energy emission from pulsars and gamma-ray bursts.