Characterization of the⁹Be(d,n)¹⁰B reaction as a source of neutrons employing commercially available radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) linacs

Measurements of low‐energy (d,n) reactions for BNCT

“…The energy of this peak is estimated to be centered around 3.6 MeV, which corresponds to the excitation of the 2.15 MeV level in the 10 B residue. Although this peak has not been reported, 11 previous works have shown the existence of a significant highenergy contamination, which may complicate the task of finding the proper moderator design to produce with this reaction epithermal neutron beams with intensity and spectral characteristics adequate for BNCT. 12,13 As is clear from the present measurements, the amount of contamination depends on the target thickness.…”

“…The very low energy and apparently high yield that characterizes this peak, as well as the low energy of the primary beam and the good mechanical and thermal properties of the Be target, have led Guzek et al to suggest this reaction as a potential neutron source for BNCT. 11 However, together with the 400-keV peak, a highenergy peak is evident in the TOF spectrum. The energy of this peak is estimated to be centered around 3.6 MeV, which corresponds to the excitation of the 2.15 MeV level in the 10 B residue.…”

“…Guzek et al 11 have recently investigated the 9 Be(d,n) 10 B reaction at a deuteron energy slightly above 1 MeV as a possible intense neutron source. In particular, although the Q-value of this reaction is quite large, Qϭ4.36 MeV, the authors reported the presence of a strong neutron peak at an energy well below 1 MeV.…”

Neutron Yields of Thick Be Target Bombarded with Low Energy Deuterons

“…In 1992 Meadows measured the yield at 0 for deuteron energies between 2.6 MeV and 7.0 MeV [6]. In 1997 Guzek et al measured the neutron yields at 0 to 120 for deuteron energies of 1.5 MeV [7]. In 1998 Colinna et al measured the neutron yields at 0 and the total neutron yields for deuteron energies of 1.5 MeV [8].…”

“…1 [1]. At very low incidence energy (for example 200 keV) the T(d,n) reaction gives much higher neutron yield than other reactions, and at MeV energy range 7 Li(p,n), 7 Li(d,n), 9 Be(p,n) and 9 Be(d,n) can be chosen. Usually using 7 Li as target can generate softer neutron energy spectrum than Be target, which is of benefit to moderating the fast neutrons into thermal neutrons.…”