Design and implementation of the monochromator shielding for the cold neutron spectrometers XINGZHI and BOYA

Abstract

An innovative monochromator shielding is designed and implemented for the cold neutron spectrometers XINGZHI and BOYA operated by Renmin University of China at China Advanced Research Reactor. Via Monte Carlo simulations and careful mechanical designs, a shielding configuration has been successfully developed to satisfy safety requirements of below 3 μSv/h dose rate at its exterior, meanwhile fulfilling space, floor load and nonmagnetic requirements. Composite materials are utilized to form the sandwich-type shielding walls: the inner layer of boron carbide rubber, the middle layer of steel-encased lead and the outer layer of borated polyethylene. Special-shaped liftable shielding blocks are incorporated to facilitate a continuous adjustment of the neutron energy while preventing radiation leakage. Our work has demonstrated that by utilizing composite shielding materials, along with the sandwich structure and liftable shielding blocks, a compact and lightweight shielding solution can be achieved. This enables the realization of advanced neutron scattering instruments that provide expanded space of measurement, larger energy and momentum coverage, and higher flux on the sample. This shielding represents the first of its kind in neutron scattering instruments in China. Following its successful operation, it has been subsequently employed by other neutron instruments across the country.