High-energy quasi-monoenergetic neutron fields: existing facilities and future needs

Radiat Prot Dosimetry. 2014 Oct;161(1-4):62-6. doi: 10.1093/rpd/nct259. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

Abstract

The argument that well-characterised quasi-monoenergetic neutron (QMN) sources reaching into the energy domain >20 MeV are needed is presented. A brief overview of the existing facilities is given, and a list of key factors that an ideal QMN source for dosimetry and spectrometry should offer is presented. The authors conclude that all of the six QMN facilities currently in existence worldwide operate in sub-optimal conditions for dosimetry. The only currently available QMN facility in Europe capable of operating at energies >40 MeV, TSL in Uppsala, Sweden, is threatened with shutdown in the immediate future. One facility, NFS at GANIL, France, is currently under construction. NFS could deliver QMN beams up to about 30 MeV. It is, however, so far not clear if and when NFS will be able to offer QMN beams or operate with only so-called white neutron beams. It is likely that by 2016, QMN beams with energies >40 MeV will be available only in South Africa and Japan, with none in Europe.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Czech Republic
  • France
  • Japan
  • Neutrons
  • Particle Accelerators*
  • Protons
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Protection / methods*
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • South Africa
  • Spectrophotometry / methods*
  • Sweden

Substances

  • Protons