Fast Neutron Capture Reaction Data Measurement of Minor Actinides for Development of Nuclear Transmutation Systems

Abstract

A research project entitled "study on accuracy improvement of fast-neutron capture reaction data of long-lived MAs for development of nuclear transmutation systems" is ongoing as a joint collaboration, including Tokyo Tech, Japan Atomic Energy Agency and Kyoto University in Japan. This project focuses on neutron capture reaction of minor actinides 237Np, 241Am and 243Am, in the fast neutron energy region. The final goal of this project is to improve the neutron capture cross sections utilizing a high-intensity neutron beam from a spallation neutron source of the Japan Proton Research Complex. The overview of the project and the current progress are presented.

Fast-neutron capture cross section data measurement of minor actinides for development of nuclear transmutation systems

“…Development of nuclear transmutation systems such as an accelerator-driven system requires accurate neutron nuclear reaction data [2,3]. The present research project entitled "Study on accuracy improvement of fast-neutron capture reaction data of long-lived MAs for development of nuclear transmutation systems" has been conducted as a joint collaboration including Tokyo Tech, Japan Atomic Energy Agency and Kyoto University [4]. This project focuses on the neutron capture reaction of MAs, especially 237 Np, 241 Am and 243 Am, in the fast neutron energy region.…”

Neutron Filtering System for Neutron Capture Cross Section Measurement at the ANNRI beamline of MLF/J-PARC

“…However, the double-bunch mode introduces serious ambiguities when determining the neutron energy by means of timing measurements for neutrons higher than 10 keV (TOF < 20 µs), since it is impossible to ascertain the originating proton pulse of each neutron. A neutron filtering system has been designed and implemented in the ANNRI beamline to bypass the aforementioned effects of the double-bunch mode as part of the project "Study on accuracy improvement of fast-neutron capture reaction data of long-lived Minor Actinides (MAs) * e-mail: gerard.rovira@jaea.go.jp for development of nuclear transmutation system" [1]. Materials with the characteristic of sharp minima in the neutron total cross section were employed as neutron filters in order to produce quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams.…”