Radioisotopes play important roles in numerous areas ranging from medical treatments to national ... more Radioisotopes play important roles in numerous areas ranging from medical treatments to national security and basic research. Radionuclide production technology for medical applications has been pursued since the early 1900s both commercially and in nuclear science centers. Many medical isotopes are now in routine production and are used in day-to-day medical procedures. Despite these advancements, research is accelerating around the world to improve the existing production methodologies as well as to develop novel radionuclides for new medical applications. Electron linear accelerators (linacs) are unique sources of radioisotopes. Even though the basic technology has been around for decades, only recently have electron linacs capable of producing photons with sufficient energy and flux for radioisotope production become available. Housed in Argonne National Laboratory's building 211 is a newly upgraded 50 MeV/30-kW electron linear accelerator, capable of producing a wide range ...
A fast beam interlock system for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) Particle Accumulator Ring (PAR)... more A fast beam interlock system for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) Particle Accumulator Ring (PAR) based on the detection of Cerenkov light is proposed for high-charge operations associated with the APS Upgrade (APS-U). Light is generated from lost electrons passing through high-purity, fused-silica fiber optic cable. The cable acts as both radiator and light pipe to a Pb-shielded photomultiplier tube. Results from a prototype installation along the PAR south wall have shown excellent sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility after 10,000 hours of operation to date with little change in the optical transmission of the fiber. High sensitivity allows more accurate measurement of low-level loss than possible with current monitors. The radiator and detector provide a much faster response than the installed gamma or neutron detectors. A faster, more accurate response to electron loss will be important as we run with higher charge and consider operating at increased energy for APS-U. Ini...
Argonne is assisting two of the potential domestic producers: Babcock and Wilcox Technical Servic... more Argonne is assisting two of the potential domestic producers: Babcock and Wilcox Technical Services Group (B&W) and Morgridge Institute for Research (MIR) in the development of a Mo-99 production technique that uses Low Enriched Uranium (LEU). B&W is developing the Medical Isotope Production System (MIPS); in this system, the Mo-99 is produced in an LEU-fueled aqueous homogenous reactor (AHR) by the fission of U-235. MIR is currently developing the Subcritical Hybrid Intense Neutron Emitter (SHINE), which creates Mo-99 by neutron-induced fission of LEU in a sub-critical aqueous solution. Essentially SHINE is an accelerator-driven sub-critical MIPS. One difference between the two is that MIR is currently considering aqueous uranyl sulfate solution as the target solution, while B&W is planning to use uranyl nitrate as the reactor solution. The mini-SHINE/MIPS experiments planned at Argonne Low Energy Accelerator Facility (LEAF) will provide important design data for both systems. We w...
Physics-Based Technologies for the Detection of Contraband, 1997
High-energy monoenergetic gamma rays (6.13 and 7.12 MeV) from the decay of excited states of the ... more High-energy monoenergetic gamma rays (6.13 and 7.12 MeV) from the decay of excited states of the 16O* nucleus are highly penetrating and thus offer potential for non- intrusive inspection of loaded containers for narcotics, explosives, and other contraband items. These excited states can be produced by irradiation of water with 14-MeV neutrons from a DT neutron generator or through the 19F(p,alpha)16O* reaction. Resonances in 19F(p,alpha)16O* at proton energies between 340 keV and 2 MeV allow use of a low-energy accelerator to provide a compact, portable gamma source of reasonable intensity. The present work provides estimates of gamma source parameters and suggests how various types of contraband could be detected. Gamma rays can be used to perform transmission or emission radiography of containers or other objects. Through the use of (gamma,n) and (gamma,fission) reactions, this technique is also capable of detecting special nuclear materials such as deuterium, lithium, beryllium, uranium, and plutonium. Analytic and Monte Carlo techniques are used to model empty and loaded container inspection for accelerator-produced gamma, radioisotope, and x-ray sources.
Finally, the radial power profile inside the experimental region is also being studied. The radia... more Finally, the radial power profile inside the experimental region is also being studied. The radial power profile provides information on the radial shaping factor and also must be known with reasonable accuracy because it is used in the absolute power calibration of ...
Gamma hearing measurements have been made in a low-Z assembly irradiated with 14-MeV neutrons and... more Gamma hearing measurements have been made in a low-Z assembly irradiated with 14-MeV neutrons and (n,n) gammas produced by a Texas Nuclear Model 9400 neutron generator. The assembly is composed of 144 magnesium sleeves (5cm × 5cm × 60cm × 3 mm thick) filled with graphite to simulate a fusion blanket test module. Heating measurements were made in the mid-line of the assembly using a proportional counter operating in the Continuously-varied Bias-voltage Acquisition (CBA) mode. The neutron induced atomic recoil signal was rejected by observing the signal rise-time differences inherent to radiations of different LET. The experiment was modelled using the one-dimensional radiation transport code ANISN/PC. The operating limits of this technique were identified by comparing measurements made at different positions in the assembly and then comparing these measurements to the calculated flux. 7 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
Nuclear Data Needs for Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems - Proceedings of the International Workshop, 2006
ABSTRACT The relevant facts concerning the Argonne National Laboratory – Intense Pulsed Neutron S... more ABSTRACT The relevant facts concerning the Argonne National Laboratory – Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (ANL/IPNS) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) apparatus for use at the ANL/IPNS facility to measure differential neutron interaction cross sections of interest for advanced reactor physics applications are presented. The INL apparatus, which consists of an array of multiple types of multiple detectors operated in coincidence, signal electronics, and a data acquisition system, is presented as an application of new means and methods to measure the relevant parameters described. The immediate measurement goals involve measurement of neutron induced interaction cross sections for 240Pu and 242Pu with 241Pu, 241Am, with measurements for other nuclides of interest for advanced reactor physics applications to follow later. Specific uncertainties and error limits are presented and methods for controlling these uncertainties are described. The post experiment analysis using data sorts and data selection from a large, self-consistent data set to produce spectra that will be analyzed for direct results and used to determine cross sections is also discussed.
Potential diversion of nuclear materials is a major international concern. Fissile (e.g., U, Pu) ... more Potential diversion of nuclear materials is a major international concern. Fissile (e.g., U, Pu) and other nuclear materials (e.g., D, Be) can be detected using 6–7 MeV gamma rays produced in the 19F(p,αΓ)16O reaction. These gamma rays will induce neutron emission via the photoneutron and photofission processes in nuclear materials. However, they are not energetic enough to generate significant numbers
A pinhole diagnostics system has been used to measure beam aberrations as a function of steering ... more A pinhole diagnostics system has been used to measure beam aberrations as a function of steering angle for an expanded beam at the ANL Neutral Particulate Beam Test Stand. The experiment began with a low-abberation unsteered beam. The horizontal steering angle was varied through the range {plus minus}3.5 mrad, and the vertical steering angle varied though the range {plus minus}1.0
This patent describes a toroidal fusion plasma device, including a vacuum vessel for confining a ... more This patent describes a toroidal fusion plasma device, including a vacuum vessel for confining a plasma which contains fusion neutrons. The vacuum vessel has inboard and outboard walls, a arrangement for varying, between steady state operating modes, one of the flux and the energy spectrum of the fusion neutrons which are incident on the outboard wall. The arrangement comprises: neutron
Radioisotopes play important roles in numerous areas ranging from medical treatments to national ... more Radioisotopes play important roles in numerous areas ranging from medical treatments to national security and basic research. Radionuclide production technology for medical applications has been pursued since the early 1900s both commercially and in nuclear science centers. Many medical isotopes are now in routine production and are used in day-to-day medical procedures. Despite these advancements, research is accelerating around the world to improve the existing production methodologies as well as to develop novel radionuclides for new medical applications. Electron linear accelerators (linacs) are unique sources of radioisotopes. Even though the basic technology has been around for decades, only recently have electron linacs capable of producing photons with sufficient energy and flux for radioisotope production become available. Housed in Argonne National Laboratory's building 211 is a newly upgraded 50 MeV/30-kW electron linear accelerator, capable of producing a wide range ...
A fast beam interlock system for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) Particle Accumulator Ring (PAR)... more A fast beam interlock system for the Advanced Photon Source (APS) Particle Accumulator Ring (PAR) based on the detection of Cerenkov light is proposed for high-charge operations associated with the APS Upgrade (APS-U). Light is generated from lost electrons passing through high-purity, fused-silica fiber optic cable. The cable acts as both radiator and light pipe to a Pb-shielded photomultiplier tube. Results from a prototype installation along the PAR south wall have shown excellent sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility after 10,000 hours of operation to date with little change in the optical transmission of the fiber. High sensitivity allows more accurate measurement of low-level loss than possible with current monitors. The radiator and detector provide a much faster response than the installed gamma or neutron detectors. A faster, more accurate response to electron loss will be important as we run with higher charge and consider operating at increased energy for APS-U. Ini...
Argonne is assisting two of the potential domestic producers: Babcock and Wilcox Technical Servic... more Argonne is assisting two of the potential domestic producers: Babcock and Wilcox Technical Services Group (B&W) and Morgridge Institute for Research (MIR) in the development of a Mo-99 production technique that uses Low Enriched Uranium (LEU). B&W is developing the Medical Isotope Production System (MIPS); in this system, the Mo-99 is produced in an LEU-fueled aqueous homogenous reactor (AHR) by the fission of U-235. MIR is currently developing the Subcritical Hybrid Intense Neutron Emitter (SHINE), which creates Mo-99 by neutron-induced fission of LEU in a sub-critical aqueous solution. Essentially SHINE is an accelerator-driven sub-critical MIPS. One difference between the two is that MIR is currently considering aqueous uranyl sulfate solution as the target solution, while B&W is planning to use uranyl nitrate as the reactor solution. The mini-SHINE/MIPS experiments planned at Argonne Low Energy Accelerator Facility (LEAF) will provide important design data for both systems. We w...
Physics-Based Technologies for the Detection of Contraband, 1997
High-energy monoenergetic gamma rays (6.13 and 7.12 MeV) from the decay of excited states of the ... more High-energy monoenergetic gamma rays (6.13 and 7.12 MeV) from the decay of excited states of the 16O* nucleus are highly penetrating and thus offer potential for non- intrusive inspection of loaded containers for narcotics, explosives, and other contraband items. These excited states can be produced by irradiation of water with 14-MeV neutrons from a DT neutron generator or through the 19F(p,alpha)16O* reaction. Resonances in 19F(p,alpha)16O* at proton energies between 340 keV and 2 MeV allow use of a low-energy accelerator to provide a compact, portable gamma source of reasonable intensity. The present work provides estimates of gamma source parameters and suggests how various types of contraband could be detected. Gamma rays can be used to perform transmission or emission radiography of containers or other objects. Through the use of (gamma,n) and (gamma,fission) reactions, this technique is also capable of detecting special nuclear materials such as deuterium, lithium, beryllium, uranium, and plutonium. Analytic and Monte Carlo techniques are used to model empty and loaded container inspection for accelerator-produced gamma, radioisotope, and x-ray sources.
Finally, the radial power profile inside the experimental region is also being studied. The radia... more Finally, the radial power profile inside the experimental region is also being studied. The radial power profile provides information on the radial shaping factor and also must be known with reasonable accuracy because it is used in the absolute power calibration of ...
Gamma hearing measurements have been made in a low-Z assembly irradiated with 14-MeV neutrons and... more Gamma hearing measurements have been made in a low-Z assembly irradiated with 14-MeV neutrons and (n,n) gammas produced by a Texas Nuclear Model 9400 neutron generator. The assembly is composed of 144 magnesium sleeves (5cm × 5cm × 60cm × 3 mm thick) filled with graphite to simulate a fusion blanket test module. Heating measurements were made in the mid-line of the assembly using a proportional counter operating in the Continuously-varied Bias-voltage Acquisition (CBA) mode. The neutron induced atomic recoil signal was rejected by observing the signal rise-time differences inherent to radiations of different LET. The experiment was modelled using the one-dimensional radiation transport code ANISN/PC. The operating limits of this technique were identified by comparing measurements made at different positions in the assembly and then comparing these measurements to the calculated flux. 7 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.
Nuclear Data Needs for Generation IV Nuclear Energy Systems - Proceedings of the International Workshop, 2006
ABSTRACT The relevant facts concerning the Argonne National Laboratory – Intense Pulsed Neutron S... more ABSTRACT The relevant facts concerning the Argonne National Laboratory – Intense Pulsed Neutron Source (ANL/IPNS) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) apparatus for use at the ANL/IPNS facility to measure differential neutron interaction cross sections of interest for advanced reactor physics applications are presented. The INL apparatus, which consists of an array of multiple types of multiple detectors operated in coincidence, signal electronics, and a data acquisition system, is presented as an application of new means and methods to measure the relevant parameters described. The immediate measurement goals involve measurement of neutron induced interaction cross sections for 240Pu and 242Pu with 241Pu, 241Am, with measurements for other nuclides of interest for advanced reactor physics applications to follow later. Specific uncertainties and error limits are presented and methods for controlling these uncertainties are described. The post experiment analysis using data sorts and data selection from a large, self-consistent data set to produce spectra that will be analyzed for direct results and used to determine cross sections is also discussed.
Potential diversion of nuclear materials is a major international concern. Fissile (e.g., U, Pu) ... more Potential diversion of nuclear materials is a major international concern. Fissile (e.g., U, Pu) and other nuclear materials (e.g., D, Be) can be detected using 6–7 MeV gamma rays produced in the 19F(p,αΓ)16O reaction. These gamma rays will induce neutron emission via the photoneutron and photofission processes in nuclear materials. However, they are not energetic enough to generate significant numbers
A pinhole diagnostics system has been used to measure beam aberrations as a function of steering ... more A pinhole diagnostics system has been used to measure beam aberrations as a function of steering angle for an expanded beam at the ANL Neutral Particulate Beam Test Stand. The experiment began with a low-abberation unsteered beam. The horizontal steering angle was varied through the range {plus minus}3.5 mrad, and the vertical steering angle varied though the range {plus minus}1.0
This patent describes a toroidal fusion plasma device, including a vacuum vessel for confining a ... more This patent describes a toroidal fusion plasma device, including a vacuum vessel for confining a plasma which contains fusion neutrons. The vacuum vessel has inboard and outboard walls, a arrangement for varying, between steady state operating modes, one of the flux and the energy spectrum of the fusion neutrons which are incident on the outboard wall. The arrangement comprises: neutron
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