Nuclear Analysis of High-Power LIEBE Molten Target at CERN for the Production of Radioisotopes

Abstract

To enhance the production of short-lived isotopes, higher beam powers are sought, which require targets able to accommodate them. One such target prototype is a liquid metal target LIEBE, developed at CERN. In this paper, a simulation of the proton beam interaction with the LIEBE target is presented. Simulations were performed by a series of proton transport calculations using the MCNP Monte Carlo code. The latest LIEBE target MCNP input was created in high-fidelity geometry, and the FENDL-3.1 cross-section data library was used. Flux and dose rate maps in the LIEBE target obtained from the simulations are presented in the paper. The maximum obtained dose around the target is roughly 361 Sv/h for gamma rays and 214 Sv/h for neutrons. The 70 MeV–100 µA proton beam penetrates roughly 7 mm deep into the liquid eutectic lead–bismuth. Based on this, further required changes to the LIEBE target can be evaluated.