RIKEN Accelerator-driven compact neutron systems

Abstract

RIKEN Accelerator-driven compact neutron source, RANS, has been operational since 2013. There are two major goals of RANS research and development. One is to establish a new compact low energy neutron non-destructive evaluation system on-site of floor-standing type for industrial use. Another goal is to invent a novel transportable compact neutron system for the preventive maintenance of large scale construction such as a bridge. The low energy transmission imaging, neutron diffractometer, small angle scattering instruments, fast neutron transmission imaging, fast neutron back scattering imaging, neutron induced prompt gamma-ray analysis and neutron activation analysis are available with RANS. To solve the lack of nuclear data to develop compact neutron sources, we have created new function which gives neutron spectrum from the 9Be +p reaction with protons of energy below 12 MeV. For further compact neutron system, RANS-II is now ready to generate neutrons in the RANS experimental hall with individual shielding system. The novel proton accelerator tube and 500 MHz solid state high-frequency amplifier for RANS-III, of a transportable neutron system, are now ready to be developed in RIKEN.