Abstract
The laser processing method has proven to produce surfaces while ensuring a low secondary electron yield of oxygen-free high-conductivity copper (OFHC) samples, making it attractive for electron cloud mitigation in next-generation particle accelerators and neutron tubes. In this work, the laser processing method is proposed to OFHC targets for the first time, aiming to reduce the secondary electrons in the neutron tube. The secondary electron yields (SEYs) and the thermal conductivities of Ti film and quaternary Ti–Zr–V–Hf films with unprocessed and laser processed OFHC substrates are investigated. Our results highlight that the thermal conductivity of Ti film with laser processed OFHC substrates is in proximity to the cleaned bare OFHC sample, especially at high temperatures. Moreover, the SEY of coated OFHC substrates are higher than that of coated laser processed substrates, which indicates the better secondary electron suppression capability of coated laser processed substrates. Therefore, the thermal conductivity and SEY results illustrate that the application of Ti and Ti–Zr–V–Hf coated laser processed OFHC can be considered to improve the neutron yield in neutron tubes in the future.
Highlights
Sealed neutron tubes are widely used in neutron logging, neutron radiography, the cargo security system of ports, airports, and stations due to the advantages of safety, miniaturization, portability, good tightness [1,2,3], etc
Rougher surfaces may contribute to the decrease of secondary electron yields (SEYs) [20]
The δmax of Ti film with cleaned laser processed oxygen-free high-conductivity copper (OFHC) substrates was lower than the one with untreated cleaned OFHC
Summary
Sealed neutron tubes are widely used in neutron logging, neutron radiography, the cargo security system of ports, airports, and stations due to the advantages of safety, miniaturization, portability, good tightness [1,2,3], etc. For the sake of improving the nuclear reaction efficiency and reducing the size of neutron tubes, several methods were adopted, for example, the secondary electrons suppression [4], the deuterium or tritium absorption capabilities enhancement [5], and vacuum stability promotion [6]. The suppression of secondary electrons will benefit the reduction of the power and current on the target and the alleviation of the power load, improving the heat dissipation capability of the target and the stability of neutron tubes [7]. Several methods have been utilized in neutron tubes for the purpose of secondary electron suppression, including the Faraday cup, magnetic field mitigation, applying biased voltage between the accelerator electrode and the target, introduction of resistance, and the combination of the Faraday cup with the biased voltage method [8]. Some of these methods, such as the Faraday cup method, exhibit inadequate secondary electron suppression effects
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