Abstract
The accurate knowledge of the neutron-induced fission cross-sections of actinides and other isotopes involved in the nuclear fuel cycle is essential for the design of advanced nuclear systems, such as Generation-IV nuclear reactors. Such experimental data can also provide the necessary feedback for the adjustment of nuclear model parameters used in the evaluation process, resulting in the further development of nuclear fission models. In the present work, the 240Pu(n,f) cross-section was measured at CERN's n-TOF facility relative to the well-known 235U(n,f) cross section, over a wide range of neutron energies, from meV to almost MeV, using the time-of-flight technique and a set-up based on Micromegas detectors. This measurement was the first experiment to be performed at n-TOF's new experimental area (EAR-2), which offers a significantly higher neutron flux compared to the already existing experimental area (EAR-1). Preliminary results as well as the experimental procedure, including a description of the facility and the data handling and analysis, are presented.
Highlights
The accurate knowledge of the neutron-induced fission cross-sections of actinides and other isotopes involved in the nuclear fuel cycle is essential for the design of advanced nuclear systems, such as Generation-IV nuclear reactors
The optimum design and development of advanced nuclear systems requires the accurate knowledge of neutron induced fission cross sections of plutonium isotopes and other minor actinides [1, 2]
The previous experiment carried out at the n TOF’s Experimental Area 1 (EAR-1), was unsuccessful due to detector deterioration caused by the high alpha activity of the 240Pu samples in addition to the long period needed to complete the measurement [5], the neutron induced fission cross section had to be remeasured in the newly constructed experimental area EAR-2, which offers a higher background suppression and a significantly higher instantaneous neutron flux, reducing the time needed to complete the measurement
Summary
The optimum design and development of advanced nuclear systems requires the accurate knowledge of neutron induced fission cross sections of plutonium isotopes and other minor actinides [1, 2]. The 240Pu isotope is included in the Nuclear Energy Agency’s (NEA) High Priority Request List (HPRL) [3] as well as in the NEMEA-4 meeting proceedings [4]. The previous experiment carried out at the n TOF’s Experimental Area 1 (EAR-1), was unsuccessful due to detector deterioration caused by the high alpha activity of the 240Pu samples in addition to the long period needed to complete the measurement [5], the neutron induced fission cross section had to be remeasured in the newly constructed experimental area EAR-2, which offers a higher background suppression and a significantly higher instantaneous neutron flux, reducing the time needed to complete the measurement. Similar recent measurements have been performed at GNEIS [6], LANSCE [7] and IRMM [8]
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