Measurement of (n,xn gamma) Reactions of Interest for the New Nuclear Reactors

作者：Thiry J C^*; Borcea C; Dessagne P; Drohe J C; Jericha E; Karam H; Kerveno M; Koning A J; Negret A; Pavlik A; Plompen A; Rouki C; Rudolf G; Stanoiu M

来源：Journal of the Korean Physical Society, 2011, 59(2): 1880-1883.

DOI：10.3938/jkps.59.1880

• (n,xn gamma) reactions
• Cross sections
• Generation IV reactors

The design of Generation IV nuclear reactors and the research of new fuel cycles require knowledge of the cross sections of different nuclear reactions. Our research is focused on cross section measurements of (n,xn gamma) reactions occurring in these new reactors. The aim is to measure unknown cross sections and to reduce the uncertainty on present data relative to reactions and isotopes present in transmutation or regeneration processes. The current work consists of studying Th-232(n,n gamma) and U-235(n,xn gamma) reactions in the fast neutron energy domain (up to 20 MeV). The experiments are performed at the GEel LINear Accelerator (GELINA) which delivers a pulsed, white neutron beam at MAIM, Belgium. The time characteristics of the beam enable us to measure neutron energies with the time of flight (TOP) technique. The neutron induced reactions (in this case inelastic scattering and (n,2n) reactions) are identified by online prompt gamma spectroscopy with an experimental setup including 4 HPGe detectors. A double layered fission chamber is used to monitor the incident neutron flux. The experimental setup and analysis methods will be presented and a comparison between the obtained cross sections and the TALYS predictions will be discussed. This work is a first step in the preparation of the measurement of U-233(n,xn gamma) reactions, which are completely unknown at this stage although of very high importance in the Th-232 regeneration process.

• 出版日期2011-8-11