Back-n white neutron facility for nuclear data measurements at CSNS

Abstract

Back-streaming neutrons through the incoming proton channel at the spallation target station of China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) has been exploited as a white neutron beam line (so-called Back-n), and a number of spectrometers for nuclear data measurements have been planned. With a thick tungsten target and modest moderation by the cooling water through the target slices, the neutron beam is very intense which is in the order of 5.0×106 n/cm2/s at 80 m from the target and has an excellent energy spectrum spanning from 1 eV to 100 MeV. In addition, the time structure of the primary proton beam under different accelerator operation modes is fully applicable for time-of-flight measurements. Altogether, it makes the CSNS Back-n very much suitable for nuclear data measurements. The construction of the neutron beam line and five of the seven planned spectrometers are under way. It is expected that the first batch experiments be carried out from late 2017, when CSNS starts commissioning.