Neutron science research project in JAERI

Abstract

A conception of Neutron Science Research Project (NSRP) has been proposed in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI) since 1994 for its future big science project. The project aims at exploring new basic science and nuclear energy science by using a high-intensity proton accelerator. NSRP is a complex composed of a powerful superconducting proton linac, the target systems which convert the proton beam to neutrons or other particles, and the facilities for scientific research programs. The proton linac is required to supply a high-intensity proton beam with an energy up to 1.5 GeV and an average current around 10 mA. The scientific research programs are as follows: In the area of basic science, structural biology and material science with slow neutron scattering method, neutron nuclear physics and spallation radioisotope physics, and in the area of nuclear energy science, the experimental feasibility studies of incineration for the nuclear waste transmutation and material developments with a neutron irradiation facility. Other scientific research programs are also proposed such as meson science for meson and muon physics, radioisotope production for medical use. Research and development (R&D) have been carried out for the components of the injector system of the proton linac; an ion source, an RFQ linac and a part of DTL linac. The conceptual design work and R&D activities for NSRP have started in the fiscal year, 1996. The first beam of 1.5 GeV and 1 mA is expected to be extracted from the proton linac by 2004 and finally a 10 mA is to be obtained in 2007 by reflecting the results of technological developments.