Beijing Isotope-Separation-On-Line Neutron-Rich Beam Facility and its application prospects

Abstract

Radioactive-ion beam (RIB) experiments open up new exciting fields and frontiers in nuclear physics and nuclear astrophysics. The experiments can provide unprecedented opportunities to explore new phenomena such as new magic numbers and probe the isospin mechanisms occurring in shell evolution. Other experiments probe the limits of nuclear stability on the neutron-rich side, provide insights into the synthesis of superheavy elements and nuclear giant halo structures, and offer the possibility to investigate new nuclear decay modes as well as the nucleosynthesis of nuclides beyond Iron. To achieve this goal, many nuclear physics laboratories all over the world are building large-scale powerful new RIB facilities. The “Beijing Isotope-Separation-On-Line Neutron-Rich Beam Facility (BISOL)” is a joint project proposed by the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) and Peking University. This facility will combine two techniques: Projectile fragmentation (PF) and isotope separation on line (ISOL). The BISOL facility will operate based on a dual driver system, including reactor driving and intense deuteron-beam driving modes. The existing high flux research reactor, the China Advanced Research Reactor at CIAE provides reactor driving. At the BISOL facility ISOL separation of fission fragments, post acceleration, and fragmentation of neutron-rich fission fragment beams will be available. By combining ISOL and PF techniques in one facility the technical advantages of both can be merged. The BISOL will deliver intensive rare ion beams of very neutron-rich isotopes; the intensity of these beams will be of the order of at least 1-2 magnitudes higher than currently available ones. Intense deuteron-beam driving is an established technology, which provides an intense neutron beam source and can be operated independently in the facility. Characterizing material performance and performing lifetime experiments are the challenges facing researchers working on the current and next-generation nuclear energy systems. Intense radiation sources, especially neutron sources, are indispensable for these experiments. The intense deuteron accelerator proposed in this project will be able to generate intense neutron beam. These beams will be able to probe nuclear materials and will provide vital results to push forward the boundaries of nuclear physics.