Temperature profiles inside a target irradiated with protons or deuterons for the development of a compact accelerator driven neutron source

Abstract

The neutron yield of a compact accelerator driven neutron source depends strongly on the target performance. This performance is influenced by the target composition and geometry, the cooling system design and which primary particles are used. We show that the temperature difference inside the target depends directly on the target thickness determined by the ion stopping range and therefore on the type and energy of the primary particle. Deuterons with a larger stopping power show a smaller temperature difference inside the target than protons allowing thus for a better target cooling.