Nuclear physics experiments with a medical cyclotron

Abstract

Experiments of nuclear physics have been carried out at the Bern medical cyclotron, in which a beam line dedicated to research activities is available. Our main goal is to upgrade this facility as a well-characterized neutron source for studies of radiation hardness and for tests of new neutron detectors. To achieve this result, preliminary measurements have been carried out among which the measurement of the incident proton energy by means of a method based on Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. The analysis of the energy spectrum corresponding to protons elastically and inelastically backscattered by the carbon target allowed the precise identification of the excited states of 12C, including the Hoyle state. These results confirmed the Bern medical cyclotron as a reliable facility to perform research activities in the field of fundamental nuclear physics as well as of applied physics.