SEEMS: A Single Event Effects and Muon Spectroscopy facility at the Spallation Neutron Source

Abstract

This study outlines a concept that would leverage the existing proton accelerator at the Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to enable transformative science via one world-class facility serving two missions: Single Event Effects (SEE) and Muon Spectroscopy (μSR). The μSR portion would deliver the world’s highest flux and highest resolution pulsed muon beams for material characterization purposes, with precision and capabilities well beyond comparable facilities. The SEE capabilities deliver neutron, proton, and muon beams for aerospace industries that are facing an impending challenge to certify equipment for safe and reliable behavior under bombardment from atmospheric radiation originating from cosmic and solar rays. With negligible impact on the primary neutron scattering mission of the SNS, the proposed facility will have enormous benefits for both science and industry. We have designated this facility “SEEMS.”

Secondary Beams at High-Intensity Electron Accelerator Facilities

“…Most of the current [24][25][26][27][28][29] and planned [30][31][32] facilities produce muons as secondary particles via the decay of pions/kaons created by the interaction of an intense proton beam, typically of several MW power, with a heavy material target. A high-intensity multi-GeV electron beam hitting a thick target is likewise a copious source of muons.…”

A Vision for the Future of Neutron Scattering and Muon Spectroscopy in the 2050s

“…The present muon sources either use cyclotrons to produce continuous muon beams or synchrotrons to produce pulsed muon beams. Other accelerator technologies could equally well or better produce such proton beams, such as nonscaling fixed-field alternating gradient (ns-FFAG), linacs, and laser wakefield accelerators. − Choices between such options may well be driven by how well these technologies meet the requirements of whatever sits alongside the muon facility. In the future, these might include accelerator-driven nuclear reactors, as is being developed at CiADS, or accelerators for proton therapy.…”