Measurements of High Energy Neutron Spectrum (> 10 MeV) by Using Yttrium Foils in a U/Pb Assembly

Abstract

Study of deep subcritical electronuclear systems and radioactive waste transmutation using relativistic beams were performed. This work is a preliminary step toward the study of the physical properties of Accelerator Driven Systems, in which a deeply subcritical active core is irradiated by a pulsed beam of relativistic ions. The long-range goal of the project is to study the capabilities of such systems with a hard neutron spectrum, for transmutation of radioactive nuclear wastes. Two experimental assemblies, “Energy plus Transmutation” (2006-2009) and “Quinta” (2011-), were irradiated by 1 to 6 GeV deuteron beams using the JINR NUCLOTRON accelerator. The main difference between the two experimental setups is the spallation target - lead or natural uranium. We attempt to obtain neutron energy spectra inside the volume of these assemblies using threshold reactions in natural yttrium (89Y) foils. Some results from three different experiments are presented.