Detection of supernova neutrinos at spallation neutron sources

After considering supernova shock effects, Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein effects, neutrino collective effects, and Earth matter effects, the detection of supernova neutrinos at the China Spallation Neutron Source is studied and the expected numbers of different flavor supernova neutrinos observed through various reaction channels are calculated with the neutrino energy spectra described by the Fermi-Dirac distribution and the "beta fit"distribution respectively. Furthermore, the numerical calculation method of supernova neutrino detection on Earth is applied to some other spallation neutron sources, and the total expected numbers of supernova neutrinos observed through different reactions channels are given.     

Monitoring method for neutron flux for a spallation target in an accelerator driven sub-critical system

In this paper, we study a monitoring method for neutron flux for the spallation target used in an accelerator driven sub-critical(ADS) system, where a spallation target located vertically at the centre of a sub-critical core is bombarded vertically by high-energy protons from an accelerator. First, by considering the characteristics in the spatial variation of neutron flux from the spallation target, we propose a multi-point measurement technique,i.e. the spallation neutron flux should be measured at multiple vertical locations. To explain why the flux should be measured at multiple locations, we have studied neutron production from a tungsten target bombarded by a 250 Me V-proton beam with Geant 4-based Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation results indicate that the neutron flux at the central location is up to three orders of magnitude higher than the flux at lower locations. Secondly, we have developed an effective technique in order to measure the spallation neutron flux with a fission chamber(FC), by establishing the relation between the fission rate measured by FC and the spallation neutron flux. Since this relation is linear for a FC, a constant calibration factor is used to derive the neutron flux from the measured fission rate. This calibration factor can be extracted from the energy spectra of spallation neutrons. Finally, we have evaluated the proposed calibration method for a FC in the environment of an ADS system. The results indicate that the proposed method functions very well.     

Neutron spallation source and the Dubna Cascade Code

Neutron multiplicity per incident proton,n/p, in collision of high energy proton beam with voluminous Pb and W targets has been estimated from the Dubna Cascade Code and compared with the available experimental data for the purpose of benchmarking of the code. Contributions of various atomic and nuclear processes for heat production and isotopic yield of secondary nuclei are also estimated to assess the heat and radioactivity conditions of the targets. Results obtained from the code show excellent agreement with the experimental data at beam energy,E < 12 GeV and differ maximum up to 25% at higher energy     

Neutronics studies of solid targets for spallation neutron source using Monte Carlo simulation

Neutronics studies for a solid target have been done with Monte Carlo high-energy particle transport code NMTC/JAM,when the proton beam with high kinetic energy bombards the target.The effect of the main parameters of the target on the neutron flux is discussed to optimize the target,which will be used for the concept design of the target of spallation neutron source.A target with its aspect ratio 1.5:1 or 2:1 gives the highest neutron flux.Tungsten is the most acceptable material from the technical and economical points of view.Beryllium as a moderating reflector can increase the neutron flux effectively.     

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.     

散裂中子源靶站谱仪的物理设计

中子散射广泛地应用于凝聚态物质研究和应用的众多学科领域,是研究物质微观结构和动态的理想工具之一.散裂中子源能是新一代的加速器基脉冲中子源,能为中子散射提供高通量的脉冲中子.文章重点介绍了散裂中子源项目CSNS中靶站和谱仪的建设内容和设计工作的进展.     

Characteristics of a high frequency ion source used in a low-energy accelerator

This work presents the characteristics of a high frequency ion source operating on a low energy, 150 keV accelerator. The latter is to be used as a neutron generator and its design is based on a theoretical analysis which shows that if the axial potential in an electrostatic electrode system is made to increase with four thirds the power of axial distance, inward electric forces will compensate space charge forces tending to blow up the beam. This results in a simplified acceleration tube much shorter and of higher gradient than the conventional acceleration columns. The ion source itself is an ordinary type using axial extraction of the beam, and its main properties investigated are the beam current and beam quality (or emittance). Dependence of the two on different parameters is investigated in a series of tests.     

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.     

中国散裂中子源/快循环同步加速器束流负载效应的补偿

针对强流质子同步加速器中的束流负载效应,基于中国散裂中子源/快循环同步加速器射频系统样机,在不降低腔体Q值的前提下,以数字化低电平控制为主要技术手段,对束流负载效应进行补偿。提出完整的由多控制环路组成的束流负载效应补偿方案。该方案主要由引入自适应算法的束流前馈和高带宽低延时的射频直接反馈,以及在束流负载下对腔体谐振状态进行控制的腔体预失谐和动态调谐等组成。     

散裂中子源耦合慢化器的中子学研究

利用蒙特－卡罗方法研究了散裂中子源中耦合慢化器的中子学特性。给出了冷中子与热中子慢化器的中子能谱。甲烷慢化器提供了性能非常好的冷中子，在低功率的散裂中子源中得到了应用。计算了慢中子引出的角分布。由于较低的氢密度，液态氢的漫化能力低于水与液态甲烷，但是可以通过增加预慢化器来弥补这一问题。2cm厚的水预慢化器层可以大约减少热量在低温慢化器中的热量沉积33％而不破坏中子特性。     

Evaluation of effective source position for local linear accelerator and inserts

All types of treatment planning systems need some input measured beam data. Such data differ in type and number depending on the model of electron beam algorithm used inside. In addition to the number of percentage depth dose (%DD) and cross beam profiles, the effective source surface distance parameter SSD_eff was also recommended to be measured and transferred to the planning system. Output measurements were carried out using 0.6cc cylindrical Farmer type ion chamber placed in water phantom at depth of dose maximum, in Radiat. Phys. Dep., Malmö Hospital, Lund University, Sweden. Results were collected for all available energies combined with both applicators and inserts on a Varian Clinac 2100C. SSD_eff was determined from the ionization measurements using equation given by Khan et al. (1991). Comparing the results with those obtained by Roback et al. (1995) on a similar Varian Clinac 2100C, it was found that the deviation of SSD_eff was 7.5% for combination of energies, field sizes, and inserts except at 6 MeV. The variations of SSD_eff than the nominal SSD reflect the importance of corrections against air gap present in irregular clinical situations. SSD_eff should be measured during commissioning of both accelerator or/and local treatment-planning computer. Inserts used in measurements should be from the same material and thickness as that are used in clinical work.     

Probing pseudo-Dirac neutrino through detection of neutrino-induced muons from gamma ray burst neutrinos

The possibility to verify the pseudo-Dirac nature of neutrinos is investigated here via the detection of ultra-high energy neutrinos from distant cosmological objects like γ-ray bursts (GRBs). The very long baseline and the energy range from ∼TeV to ∼EeV for such neutrinos invoke the likelihood to probe very small pseudo-Dirac splittings. The expected secondary muons from such neutrinos that can be detected by a kilometer scale detector such as ICECUBE is calculated and compared with the same in the case of mass-flavour oscillations and for no oscillation cases. The calculated muon yields indicate that to probe such small pseudo-Dirac splittings one needs to look for a nearby GRB (red shift z ∼ 0.03 or less) whereas for a distant GRB (z ∼ 1) the flux will be much depleted and such phenomenon cannot be distinguished. Also calculated are the muon-to-shower ratios.      

Simulation study of neutrino nucleus cross section measurement in a segmented detector at a spallation neutron source

Knowledge of ν_e-Fe/Pb differential cross sections for ν_e energy below several tens of MeV scale is believed to be crucial in understanding supernova physics. In a segmented detector at a spallation neutron source, ν_e energy reconstructed from the electron range measurement is strongly affected because both multiple scattering and electromagnetic showers occur along the electron passage in target materials. In order to estimate these effects, a simulation study has been performed with a cube block model assuming perfect tracking precision. The energy spectrum distortion is observed to be proportional to the atomic number of the target material. Feasibility of unfolding the distorted ν_e energy spectrum is studied for both Fe and Pb. An evaluation of the statistical accuracy attainable is therefore provided for a segmented detector.     

4 MV静电加速器调试中出现的问题及解决方案

4 MV静电加速器由高压系统、离子源及束流系统、控制系统和气体系统四部分组成。调试中出现了离子源不起弧、加速管破裂、控制系统失灵和输电带输电能力降低等技术问题,分析了出现这些问题的原因,然后分别采取了相应的措施加以解决：变换工作流程,在每次关机前先把引出电压降为零,开机时等离子源起弧后再把引出电压升到预定值;对过渡法兰进行车加工,重新封装;对高压端的控制设备采取屏蔽措施,在输入、输出端使用TVS二极管,对控制软件进行抗干扰设计;对绝缘气体进行循环干燥等。调试出了流强为100 μA、能量在3 MeV以上的稳定质子流。     

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     

Mean square number fluctuation for a fermion source and its dependence on neutrino mass for the universal cosmic neutrino background

Using the general formulation for obtaining chemical potentialμ of an ideal Fermi gas of particles at temperature T, with particle rest mass m₀ and average density 〈N〉/V, the dependence of the mean square number fluctuation 〈ΔN ²〉/V on the particle mass m₀ has been calculated explicitly. The numerical calculations are exact in all cases whether rest mass energym ₀c² is very large (non-relativistic case), very small (ultra-relativistic case) or of the same order as the thermal energy k_BT. Application of our results to the detection of the universal very low energy cosmic neutrino background (CNB), from any of the three species of neutrinos, shows that it is possible to estimate the neutrino mass of these species if from approximate experimental measurements of their momentum distribution one can extract, someday, not only the density 〈N _v〉/V but also the mean square fluctuation 〈Δ _v ² 〉/V. If at the present epoch, the universe is expanding much faster than thermalization rate for CNB, it is shown that our analysis leads to a scaled neutrino massm _v instead of the actual massm _0v .     

Simulation study of neutrino nucleus crosssection measurement in a segmented detectorat a spallation neutron source

Knowledge of ν_e-Fe/Pb differential cross sections for ν_e energy below several tens of MeV scale is believed to be crucial in understanding supernova physics. In a segmented detector at a spallation neutron source, ν_e energy reconstructed from the electron range measurement is strongly affected because both multiple scattering and electromagnetic showers occur along the electron passage in target materials. In order to estimate these effects, a simulation study has been performed with a cube block model assuming perfect tracking precision. The energy spectrum distortion is observed to be proportional to the atomic number of the target material. Feasibility of unfolding the distorted ν_e energy spectrum is studied for both Fe and Pb. An evaluation of the statistical accuracy attainable is therefore provided for a segmented detector.     

Laser ion source activities at Brookhaven National Laboratory

In Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), we have been developing laser ion sources for diverse accelerators. Tabletop Nd:YAG lasers with up to several Joules of energy are mainly used to create ablation plasmas for stable operations. The obtained charge states depend on laser power density and target species. Two types of ion extraction schemes, direct plasma injection scheme (DPIS) and conventional static extraction, are used depending on the application. We optimized and selected a suitable laser irradiation condition and a beam extraction scheme to meet the requirement of the following accelerator system. We have demonstrated to accelerate more than 5?×?10¹⁰ of C⁶⁺ ions using the DPIS. We successfully commissioned a low-charge ion beam provider to the user facilities in BNL. To achieve higher current, higher charge state and lower emittance, further studies will continue.     

Beam dynamics studies on the 100 MeV/100 kW electron linear accelerator for NSC KIPT neutron source

We designed a 100 MeV/100 kW electron linear accelerator for NSC KIPT, which will be used to drive a neutron source on the basis of subcritical assembly. Beam dynamics studies have been conducted to reach the design requirements (E=100 MeV, P=100 kW, dE/E<1% for 99% particles). In this paper, we will present the progress of the design and the dynamic simulation results. For high intensity and long beam pulse linear accelerators, the BBU effect is one big issue; special care has been taken in the accelerating structure design. To satisfy the energy spread requirement at the linac exit, the particles with large energy difference from the synchronous particle should be eliminated at a low energy stage to ease the design of the collimation system and radiation shielding. A dispersion free chicane with 4 bending magnets is introduced downstream of the 1st accelerating section; the unwanted particles will be collimated there.     

4 MV静电加速器调试中出现的问题及解决方案

 4 MV静电加速器由高压系统、离子源及束流系统、控制系统和气体系统四部分组成。调试中出现了离子源不起弧、加速管破裂、控制系统失灵和输电带输电能力降低等技术问题,分析了出现这些问题的原因,然后分别采取了相应的措施加以解决：变换工作流程,在每次关机前先把引出电压降为零,开机时等离子源起弧后再把引出电压升到预定值;对过渡法兰进行车加工,重新封装;对高压端的控制设备采取屏蔽措施,在输入、输出端使用TVS二极管,对控制软件进行抗干扰设计;对绝缘气体进行循环干燥等。调试出了流强为100 μA、能量在3 MeV以上的稳定质子流。