Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A switchable radioactive neutron source: Proof-of-principle

  • Advances in Nuclear Instrumentation and Software
  • Published:
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The feasibility of a practical switchable radioactive neutron source (SRNS) that can be switched on and off like an accelerator and is field portable has been demonstrated. A stable, thin film of238Pu oxide deposited on a stainless steel planchet was the alpha source and beryllium was the light element target that produced neutrons. This device requires minimal, if any, shielding when not in use. Design specifications and performance of this proof-in-principle instrument are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. U.S. Patent No. 4,829,191, May 9, 1989.

  2. E. A. Rhodes, D. L. Bowers, R. E. Boyar, C. E. Dickerman, Advanced Concept Proof-of-Principle Demonstration: Switchable Radioactive Neutron Source, Argonne National Laboratory Report, ANL/ACTV-95/2, 1995.

  3. N. Ensslin, The Origin of Neutron Radiation, Chapter 11, Passive Nondestructive Assay Nuclear Materials, NUREG/CR-5550, 1991, p. 345.

  4. N. Ensslin, The Origin of Neutron Radiation, Chapter 11, Passive Nondestructive Assay Nuclear Materials, NUREG/CR-5550, 1991, p. 339.

  5. E. Dolecek private communication to C. Dickerman April 5, 1995.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemical Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, 60439, Argonne, IL, USA

    D. L. Bowers

  2. Reactor Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 South Cass Avenue, 60439, Argonne, IL, USA

    E. A. Rhodes & C. E. Dickerman

Authors
  1. D. L. Bowers
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. E. A. Rhodes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. C. E. Dickerman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bowers, D.L., Rhodes, E.A. & Dickerman, C.E. A switchable radioactive neutron source: Proof-of-principle. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 233, 161–165 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02389665

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02389665

Keywords

Search

Navigation