On the slowing-down of 14 MeV fusion neutrons: A spectrometry benchmark and perspectives on future neutron science facilities

¹ ENEA, Department of Fusion and Technologies for Nuclear Safety and Security - via E. Fermi 45, I-00044 Frascati, Roma, Italy
² Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Laboratori Nazionali di Frascati - via E. Fermi 44, I-00044, Frascati, Roma Italy

Received: 22 February 2019
Accepted: 4 April 2019

Abstract

The spectral fluence rate of the thermalized neutron field obtained by slowing down the 14 MeV fusion neutrons produced at the accelerator-driven Frascati Neutron Generator is measured by means of the Bonner Sphere Spectrometer. Neutron thermalization is achieved by means of a moderator assembly made of a copper pre-moderator and a polyethylene moderator. A Monte Carlo simulation reproducing the experimental set-up is also performed by means of the MCNP code and the results are compared to the experimental data. The benchmarked Monte Carlo is then used to predict the brilliance of a thermal moderator operating at a potential high-intensity 14 MeV neutron continuous source featuring a neutron emission rate of . The results obtained show that if a D-T neutron source featuring a continuous neutron emission rate of could be made operative, it could be effectively exploited for neutron science.