The neutron flux density from 0.025 eV to 12 MeV has been measured experimentally in all channels of the VVR-SM core by the activation method using threshold monitors (Au, Ni, Fe. Ti, Mg, Y). Comparing with a calculation of the neutron flux density at different energy using the IRT-2D computer code showed agreement to within 5%. The distribution of the neutron fluxes and spectra in the core, which is of practical utility for radiation technologies, was obtained. A series of irradiations has been conducted and experimental dependences of the irradiation time on the channel position in the core as well as on the size of the stones for obtaining a standard light blue and dark blue color have been obtained. The irradiation conditions making it possible to lower the induced radioactivity of the minerals three-fold as a result of increasing the ratio of the fast to thermal neutron fluxes are found.
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Translated from Atomnaya Énergiya, Vol. 109, No. 5, pp. 288–293, November, 2010.
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Baitelesov, S.A., Ibragimova, E.M., Kungurov, F.R. et al. Effect of the VVR-SM neutron spectrum on the radioactivity and color of natural topazes. At Energy 109, 355–361 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-011-9368-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10512-011-9368-6