Validation of realistic Monte Carlo plasma gamma-ray source on JET discharges

Abstract

Abstract A novel modelling methodology has been developed for the creation of a realistic plasma gamma-ray source for Monte Carlo transport simulations in the tokamak JET. The methodology couples the TRANSP code for plasma transport calculations with the MCNP Monte Carlo particle transport code, thus connecting plasma physics with gamma-ray transport. This paper presents the validation of the developed source methodology by comparing calculated gamma-ray spectra with measurements performed at JET. The validation focuses on gamma-ray spectra measured by the tangential gamma-ray spectrometer during two JET three ion RF scenario discharges, performed in the JET 2019 deuterium experimental campaign. For validation the calculated plasma gamma-ray spectrum was combined with the neutron induced prompt gamma-ray background, originating in the vacuum vessel, and scaled to absolute values calculating the total number of plasma gamma-ray and neutron emitting reactions. The comparison between calculated and measured gamma-ray spectra shows good agreement with the shape of the calculated gamma-ray spectra matching that of measurements for both studied discharges. Moreover, the calculated absolute values of the gamma-ray spectra were of the same order of magnitude at the position of the gamma-ray detector located at the end of a long line-of-sight in a biological shield. The comparison has validated the developed plasma gamma-ray source methodology for MCNP photon transport calculations at JET. The validation provides a basis for the developed plasma gamma-ray source to be used as a support for the development of future tokamaks such as DEMO.