Small accelerator-based pulsed cold neutron sources

Abstract

The use of cold neutrons as a research tool has expanded greatly, especially with the development of large facilities at laboratories around the world. For some applications, it may not be necessary to have this power and other factors may influence the choice of instruments and sources. Just as the availability of synchrotron sources has not eliminated the use of x-ray tubes for many studies, small neutron sources could be used by individual researchers with the convenience of an adequate local facility. Recent developments in small high current pulsed accelerators makes possible such a local source for pulsed cold neutrons. We have investigated two possible candidate accelerators for such systems: small RFQ ion accelerators for direct production of neutrons and electron LINACs operated as a photoneutron source. Both devices are characterized by high peak currents and operation in pulsed mode, two important requirements for this application. Calculations have been made for the estimated performance of cold neutron sources based on these accelerators.