Basic to industrial research on neutron platform in Japan

The co-location of reactor- and accelerator-based neutron sources offers a great opportunity for complementary use of steady and pulsed neutron beams in a wide variety of neutron science and technology areas ranging from basic research to industrial applications. In Japan, such a balance of two kinds of neutron sources has a long tradition and now we are entering into a new era with the commissioning of the world’s most intense pulsed neutron beams at JSNS/J-PARC plus the existing JRR-3 reactor both co-located within 1 km of each other in Tokai. The joint operation of these neutron facilities in close proximity under a program called ‘neutron platform’, will allow neutron beam access not only to professional users, familiar with both pulsed and steady state techniques but also to first-time academics and industrial researchers to neutron scattering.      

Measurement of the neutron beam polarization of BL05/NOP beamline at J-PARC

We measured the neutron beam polarization of the BL05/NOP (Neutron Optics and Physics) beamline at J-PARC with an accuracy of less than 10⁻³ using polarized ³He gas as a neutron spin analyzer. Precise polarimetry of the neutron beam is necessary to understand the beamline optics as well as for the asymmetry measurements of the neutron beta decay, which are planned in this beamline.     

Recent improvements in the methodology of neutron imaging

The focus of this article is on further improvements of methods in neutron imaging: the increased spatial resolution for microtomography and options for energy-selective neutron imaging. Before going into details, some common statements are given in respect to the state-of-the-art in neutron imaging. A relation to the X-ray methods is mentioned, where complementary results are obtained. The potential for the energy selection is of particular interest for future installations at the new pulsed sources, based on spallation (SNS, J-PARC, ISIS-TS2). First results from preliminary studies look very promising for future material and industrial research. Therefore, statements about the set-up of the best possible imaging systems are included in the article.      

Neutron protein crystallography in JAERI

Neutron diffraction provides an experimental method of directly locating hydrogen atoms in proteins. After developing an original neutron detector (neutron imaging plate) and a novel practical neutron monochromator (elastically bent perfect Si monochromator), BIX-type diffractometers which were equipped with these tools were efficiently constructed at JRR-3 in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI), Japan and they have finished many protein crystallographic measurements and interesting results have come one after another. At the same time a method of growing large protein single crystals and a database of hydrogen and hydration have also been developed. In the near future, a pulsed neutron diffractometer for biological macromolecules has been proposed at J-PARC in JAERI.     

Development and test of SEOP neutron spin filter in Japan

We have begun the development of an in-situ spin-exchange optical pumping (SEOP) system aiming to use it as a neutron spin filter for incident beam polarization at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). To use it, it is recommended that the optics be adjusted easily, have high stability, and have a small size. In this paper we improved our previous SEOP system aiming to use it in J-PARC and performed a neutron beam test at the JRR-3 NOP beamline to see the performance of the neutron spin filter (NSF). The polarization of the ³He gas reached 73%. This paper gives the present status of the development of in-situ SEOP system in J-PARC.     

中子散射对快中子照相质量影响的分析

通过一内空的圆柱体模型，对在快中子照相时由样品引起的散射中子强度与样品形状和探测距离之间的关系进行模拟，并用^241Am—Be作中子源对散射中子的影响进行实验验证。结果表明，在快中子照相时，由样品引起的散射中子的强度与探测距离以及样品形状有关。对于同一样品，探测距离增加，散射中子的影响则降低。The relationships between intensities of scattered neutrons by specimens and their shapes and detecting distances have been simulated using a hollow cylinder model, and the results were validated by experiments of fast neutron imaging using ^241Am-Be neutron source. The results showed that the intensities of scattered neutrons are closely related to the detecting distances and sample＇ s shapes. The influences of scattered neutronns in fast neutron imaging will be reduced while detecting distances increased.     

Muon science in J-PARC

The intensity of proton accelerator has attained to the order to mega-watt, and several MW-class proton accelerators start to operate in the world. J-PARC is a complex of three accelerators, and generates a variety of secondary beams, i.e. muon beam, neutron beam, meson beam and neutrino beam. The muon facility is established in order to provide a pulsed muon beam for various experimental programs. The first muon beam is transported to the experimental area in September 2008. Although the accelerator is still under commissioning, and the beam power doesn’t reach the design value of 1 MW yet, the world strongest pulsed muon beam will be provided shortly. In this paper, we review the muon beam line in J-PARC, and discuss evolved scientific programs.     

中国散裂中子源在大气中子单粒子效应研究中的应用评估

由于缺少可用的散裂中子源,多年来我国在大气中子单粒子效应方面主要依靠模拟仿真和单能中子试验的方式开展研究.随着中国散裂中子源(CSNS)通过国家验收,基于CSNS开展大气中子单粒子效应研究成为可能.本文利用CSNS反角白光中子源开展多款静态随机存取存储器器件的中子单粒子效应试验,并与早期开展的高原大气试验结果进行对比,对CSNS在大气中子单粒子效应研究中的应用进行评估.结果表明,相同器件在CSNS反角白光中子源测得的单粒子翻转截面小于大气试验的结果,且不同器件的翻转截面与特征尺寸没有明显的单调关系.分析得到前者由于CSNS反角白光中子谱偏软;后者由于特征尺寸降低导致的临界电荷变小和灵敏体积变小对截面的贡献是竞争关系.针对截面偏小的问题,根据能谱差异分析了中子能量阈值对器件翻转截面的影响,发现能量阈值取12MeV进行计算时,器件在CSNS反角白光中子源和高原大气中子环境中能够得到较一致的截面.研究结果表明CSNS反角白光中子源能够用于加速大气中子单粒子效应试验.考虑到CSNS的运行功率正在逐步提高,且多条规划中的白光中子束线与大气中子能谱更为接近,预期未来CSNS将能更好地应用于大气中子单粒子效应研究.     

基于小型加速器的编码中子源成像研究

编码中子源成像可以在对中子注量率影响不大的情况下大大提高成像的准直比, 从而提高成像质量.北京大学开展了基于小型加速器的编码中子源成像技术研究工作. 不同于已有的基于反应堆的小面积编码板的研究工作, 北京大学建立了基于小型加速器的大面积编码板的编码中子源成像实验平台, 并对加速器中子源上的实验方法和数据处理进行了探索, 对比了重建算法, 获得了初步的重建照片.研究工作表明, 编码中子源成像技术可用于加速器中子源, 但重建图像质量仍须提高. 关键词： 加速器中子源 中子成像 编码源成像 图像重建     

中国散裂中子源反角白光中子束流参数的初步测量

中国散裂中子源(CSNS)已于2018年5月建设完工,随后进行了试运行.其中的反角白光中子束线(Back-n)可用于中子核数据测量、中子物理研究和核技术应用等多方面的实验.本文报道对该中子束的品质参数测量实验过程以及最终实验结果.实验主要采用中子飞行时间法,利用~(235)U,~(238)U裂变室和~6Li-Si探测器测量了中子能谱和中子注量率,又利用闪烁体-互补金属氧化物半导体探测系统测量了中子束斑的剖面,得到了该束线的初步实验测量结果.其中白光中子的全能谱测量范围eV—100 MeV,给出了不确定度分析;给出了中子注量率两个实验厅位置的满功率值;给出了白光中子在直径60 mm情况下的全能区束斑.通过与模拟结果的比较探讨了以上结果的合理性,并提出了改进计划.这些实验结果为以后该束线的核数据测量和探测器标定实验奠定了基础.     

VITESS polarized neutron suite: allows for the simulation of performance of any existing polarized neutron scattering instrument

As neutron simulations packages are used for analysis of the expected performance for practically all newly built neutron instruments, possibilities for simulations with polarized neutrons have been relatively underdeveloped.During the last years we developed a new approach for the representation of time-dependent magnetic fields (both in magnitude and direction) for the VITESS simulation package. This allowed us to simulate the neutron spin dynamics in practically all polarized neutron devices (RF neutron flipper, adiabatic gradient RF flipper, the Drabkin resonator, etc.). In this article the above-mentioned VITESS instrument components (modules) will be presented and the simulated performance of a number of polarized neutron scattering instruments (NRSE, MIEZE, SESANS, etc.) will be demonstrated.Thus, we practically complete the polarized neutron suite of the VITESS, which seems sufficient for the simulation of performance of any existing polarized neutron scattering instrument. Future work will be concentrated on developments of dedicated sample modules (kernels) to allow for virtual experiments with VITESS.     

Study on scattering correction in fast neutron tomography at NECTAR facility

Fast neutron tomography has been established as an inspection and detection tool at the NECTAR facility at the FRM-II reactor.Scattered neutrons from the object become a major disturbance and bring in artifacts and deviations in reconstruction results,especially for hydrogenous material object.In this article,an iterative scattering correction method for fast neutron tomography was proposed.In each loop of iteration the scattering component of the projections will be simulated by Monte-Carlo program MCNPX based on the previous reconstruction result and then it will be subtracted from original projections.The differences between scattering components at different perspectives were quantitatively evaluated and an average scattering component image was used for all projections finally.Smooth and uniform slices with more clear edges were obtained and the new reconstructed attenuation coefficients are quite close to the real one compared to the results without scattering correction,in which case the relative error of the reconstructed attenuation coefficients is about 10%–30%.     

Measurement of the neutron spectrum of a Pu-C source with a liquid scintillator

The neutron response function for a BC501A liquid scintillator (LS) has been measured using a series of monoenergetic neutrons produced by the p-T reaction. The proton energies were chosen such as to produce neutrons in the energy range of 1 to 20 MeV. The principles of the technique of unfolding a neutron energy spectrum by using the measured neutron response function and the measured Pulse Height (PH) spectrum is briefly described. The PH spectrum of neutrons from the Pu-C source, which will be used for the calibration of the reactor antineutrino detectors for the Daya Bay neutrino experiment, was measured and analyzed to get the neutron energy spectrum. Simultaneously the neutron energy spectrum of an Am-Be source was measured and compared with other measurements as a check of the result for the Pu-C source. Finally, an error analysis and a discussion of the results are given.     

Structure of Rotating Neutron Stars in Uniform Strong Magnetic Field

Properties and deformations of the rotating neutron stars in uniform strong magnetic field are calculated. The magnetic field will soften the equation of state of the neutron star matters and make an obvious effect on the structure of the rotating neutron star. If the magnetic field is superstrong （B=10^17 T）, the mass, radius, and the deformation will become smaller effectively.     

How the NEUWAVE workshop series has pushed neutron imaging developments

In 2008, a series of international workshops—named NEUtron WAVElength-dependent Imaging (NEUWAVE)—was initiated after several decisions were taken to build new neutron spallation sources in the world, namely target station two of ISIS in the UK, J-PARC in Japan, SNS in the US, and the future ESS, now being built in Sweden. The aim was to collect existing knowledge about energy-dependent effects in neutron imaging, but also to develop new energy-selective imaging methods for the upcoming spallation sources, and also for steady-state sources using energy selecting devices for neutrons. The special format was a workshop with plenty of discussions but without explicit publications, where participants discussed not their past work, but their ideas and future plans. This paper gives a résumé after nine such meetings and highlights the most important progress features. The series will continue in 2019 with NEUWAVE-10 to be organized by Paul Scherrer Institut.     

强磁场中修正URCA过程的中微子产能率

基于n-p-e模型并考虑修正URCA过程中的质子分支,研究了强磁场对中子星核心区域修正URCA过程中微子产能率的影响.结果表明,强磁场使修正URCA过程的中微子产能率产生明显振荡;与中子分支相比,强磁场对质子分支中微子产能率的影响偏弱,但是它将提高总的中微子产能率.所得结论将有助于进一步研究中子星的冷却机理. 关键词： 中子星 强磁场 修正的URCA过程     

基于D-T紧凑型中子源的快中子照相准直屏蔽体设计及中子束特性模拟研究

中子照相是一种重要的无损检测技术,它能用于火工产品、毒品和核燃料元件等的检测。基于紧凑型D-T中子发生器,完成了一个用于快中子照相的准直屏蔽体系统（BSA）的物理设计。根据D-T中子源的能谱和角分布建立了中子源模型,采用MCNP4C蒙特卡罗程序,模拟了准直屏蔽体系统中中子和γ射线的输运,准直中子束相对于单位源中子的中子注量可以达到9.30×10-6 cm-2,准直中子束中主要是能量大于10 MeV的快中子;在设置的样品平面直径14 cm的照射视野范围,准直束中子注量的不均匀度为4.30%,准直束中中子注量与γ注量的比值为17.20,中子通量和中子注量比值J/Φ为0.992,说明准直中子束有好的平行性;准直屏蔽体外的泄露中子注量率与准直束中子注量率相比降低了2个量级。所设计的准直屏蔽体能满足快中子照相的要求。Neutron radiography is an important nondestructive testing technique. It can be used to detect the explosive devices, drug and the nuclear fuel element, etc. A beam-shaping-assembly (BSA) based on a compact D-T neutron generator is designed for fast neutron radiography in this paper. D-T neutron source model is constructed based on the neutron energy spectrum and angular distribution data. The transportation of neutron and γ-ray in the BSA is simulated using MCNP4C code. The neutron fluence of the collimated neutron beam with respect to the neutron source of the unit source is 9.30×10-6 cm-2. The collimated neutron beams is mainly fast neutrons with energies greater than 10 MeV. In the irradiation field range with a diameter of 14 cm, the neutron fluence uniformity of the collimated beam is 4.3%, the ratio of the neutron fluence to the gamma fluence in the collimated beam is 17.20, and the neutron flux and the neutron fluence ratio (J/Φ) is 0.992 which indicates that the collimated neutron beam has good parallelism. The leakage neutron fluence in outside of BSA is two orders of magnitude lower than that of the collimated neutron beam. The designed BSA can meet the need of fast neutron radiography.     

Measurement of the neutron spectrum of a Pu-C source with a liquid scintillator

The neutron response function for a BC501A liquid scintillator （LS） has been measured using a series of monoenergetic neutrons produced by the p-T reaction. The proton energies were chosen such as to produce neutrons in the energy range of 1 to 20 MeV. The principles of the technique of unfolding a neutron energy spectrum by using the measured neutron response function and the measured Pulse Height （PH） spectrum is briefly described. The PH spectrum of neutrons from the Pu-C source, which will be used for the calibration of the reactor antineutrino detectors for the Daya Bay neutrino experiment, was measured and analyzed to get the neutron energy spectrum. Simultaneously the neutron energy spectrum of an Am-Be source was measured and compared with other measurements as a check of the result for the Pu-C source. Finally, an error analysis and a discussion of the results are given.     

Research on glass cells for He neutron spin filters

Glass cells play an important role in polarized ³He neutron spin filters. To evaluate the scattering and absorption contribution from glass cells during neutron scattering experiments, we measured small-angle scattering and neutron transmission in GE180 and other glasses. The small-angle neutron scattering measurements revealed that the glasses used for ³He spin filters have acceptably lower scattering: dΣ(Q)/dΩ=4-7×10⁻⁴ cm⁻¹ at Q=0.03-0.12 Å⁻¹. The transmission measurement was performed at J-PARC. Neutron transmission of about 92% through empty GE180 cells was observed over a wide wavelength range 0.014-7.0 Å. To pursue the possibility of being a structural influence on ³He spin relaxation in GE180 glass cells, we performed precise X-ray diffraction measurement using synchrotron radiation at SPring-8. From these measurements, a structural difference was observed among GE180 glasses with different thermal treatments.     

122~125Sn中子谱因子的实验研究

多个Sn同位素位于慢速中子俘获（s-）过程路径上,其中子谱因子可用于计算ASn（n,γ） A+1Sn直接辐射俘获的天体物理反应率,并可研究Sn同位素对s-过程核合成的贡献。本工作在中国原子能科学研究院HI-13串列加速器Q3D磁谱仪上,对实验室系下8°~66°范围内的122,124Sn（d,p）和（p,d）单中子转移反应角分布进行了测量。利用DWBA理论计算了转移反应角分布,并提取了122-125Sn的基态以及123,125Sn第一激发态的中子谱因子。其中,122Sn和124Sn的基态中子谱因子是首次从实验上获得。由于本工作成功鉴别开了123,125Sn的基态和第一激发态的效应,因此给出的谱因子比前人的结果更可信。Several Tin isotopes are on the path of slow neutron capture (s-) process, and the direct components of (n, γ) reactions can be derived from their neutron spectroscopic factors. In the present work, the angular distributions of 122,124Sn(p, d) and (d, p) reactions are obtained using the high-precision Q3D magnetic spectrograph in Beijing HI-13 tandem accelerator in China Institute of Atomic Energy. The distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA) calculations are performed to extract the neutron spectroscopic factors of the ground state of 122-125Sn and the first excited state of 123,125Sn. The neutron spectroscopic factors of the ground state of 122Sn and 124Sn are firstly obtained in this work. As the events of the ground state and first excited state of 123,125Sn can be distinguished clearly by our experiment, the neutron spectroscopic factories of 123,125Sn are more reliable.