Experimental result of back-streaming white neutron beam characterization at Chinese spallation neutron source

Abstract

The Chinese spallation neutron source was completed in May 2018 and then subsequently commissioned. The Back-streaming white neutron beam line can be used in neutron nuclear data measurement, neutron physics research, and nuclear technology. In these experiments, it is necessary to know the neutron energy spectrum, the neutron flux, and the neutron beam profile of the neutron beam. In this paper, we present the preliminary measurements of these parameters. The neutron energy spectrum and neutron flux are measured by the time-of-flight method with a fission chamber equipped with ²³⁵U and ²³⁸U samples and a ⁶Li-Si detector. The neutron beam profile is measured by a scintillator-CMOS detection system. The preliminary experimental measurements of the beam line are obtained. Among them, the energy spectrum measurement range of white neutrons is from eV to more than 100 MeV, which also gives an uncertainty analysis; the neutron fluence rate gives the full power value of the two experimental halls; the collimated white neutron beam spot is given under a diameter of 60 mm. The future plan is also given. The results of these experimental parameters can serve as the foundation for the future nuclear data measurement and detector calibration experiments of the beam line.