The proposed CRP aims at providing a platform for collaborative research among research reactors of various sizes and accelerator-driven neutron sources from TC eligible and developed countries to increase the cold neutron fluxes available at existing neutron sources. Cold neutrons are ideal tools to study almost all forms of condensed matter through neutron scattering and at the same time they are preferred in neutron imaging or Prompt-Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA). As such, they have attracted the interest of many research groups all over the world and the need for intense cold neutron beams is continuously increasing. To date, the major drawback in the application of cold neutrons is the very low efficiency in their production via different types of moderators. The need for higher cold neutron fluxes has led to various improvements in moderator shapes and designs. Still, however, a breakthrough in enhancing cold neutron fluxes is still pending and the solution to the problem requires new ideas regarding brand new moderator materials. Making progress in this field will require coordinated research among several institutions, with activities ranging from the development of new simulation tools and associated data libraries to the experimental characterization of the scattering from nano-structured materials and the experimental investigation of candidate designs and materials in test moderators. We anticipate a CRP that includes experts on simulating neutron facilities with modern neutron transport codes from some of the world’s premier neutron sources, researchers at research reactors in developing countries who need experience with such codes, and researchers at facilities capable of testing new moderator designs experimentally. A key element in the program is identifying and characterizing the scattering properties of candidate materials, and assessing the influence of processing parameters on those properties. This materials survey task is one that is well suited to smaller research reactor or accelerator facilities in developing countries.
Advancing intense cold neutron beams for materials research
Improve modern neutron transport codes and data libraries by implementing anisotropic mesoscale neutron scattering for new moderatorsVERIFIABLE INDICATORS: Transport codes validated by comparison of simulation results with experimental data
Increase the efficiency in the production of cold neutron fluxes at existing and planned cold neutron facilities by developing new moderators. VERIFIABLE INDICATORS: Successful demonstration experiments completed at facilities providing cold neutrons
This CRP was extremely timely as two new accelerator based sources are coming up: European Spallation Source and SNS Second Target station. Both labs had a lot of interest in para-hydrogen and much of the work and discoveries were shared. Prototype para-hydrogen moderators were constructed in Hungary. o:p ratios were measured and controlled using catalysts and Raman, with a lot of work at ESS and SNS. Russia developed many of the pelletized moderators and implemented one at Dubna. Scattering kernels and cross section measurements were made that were either entirely new or significant improvements.
It is relevant to both accelerator and reactor based neutron sources. It helps to get the most out of facilities that are in the many hundred million to billion dollars. This has helped optimise future designs.