Deuteron Activation Research Articles

Due consideration of the breakup and direct reaction mechanisms within (d, p), (d, 2p), (d, xn2p), and (d, xn) reactions

Suitable account of available excitation-function of deuterons interaction with target nuclei components of candidates materials for the ITER fusion reactor, the European DEMO fusion reactor, and the IFMIF-DONES Irradiation Facility has been proved by consistent analysis of the reaction mechanisms involved in the complex deuteron-nucleus interaction. In this work the attention has been focused on the analysis of the deuteron activation cross sections related to the gas accumulation, (d, p), (d, 2p), (d, xn2p), and to the strong neutron emission, (d, xn), interaction processes of interest for the radiation damage and shielding design studies devoted to the structural materials selection. The key role of direct interactions, i.e., breakup, stripping and pick-up processes is stressed out by the comparison of data with theoretical and evaluation predictions.

Smoky Wood-Fired Ancient Glass Furnaces: Carbon Analysis of Roman Glass by 2.0 MeV Deuteron Activation Technique

To understand the wood-fuel contamination problems faced by the ancient glass industry, some Roman glass fragments and beads were analysed for carbon by the elegant, non-destructive deuteron activation technique based on C-12(d,n)N-13 nuclear reaction. Carbon was found in all analysed glasses, covering a mass concentration range from 160 ppm to 2.2%, indicating that some fuel contamination was present in all samples. The higher concentration of 0.94 to 2.2% observed in some beads indicates that carbon was added intentionally as a “component” to the glass melt to obtain an amber colour.

Role of direct interactions in (d, p) and (d, 2p) reactions

Accurate cross sections of deuteron–induced reactions within an enlarged energy range up to 50 MeV are definitely involved by demands of on-going strategic research programs (ITER, IFMIF, SPIRAL2-NFS) using deuteron beams. Among them, the (d, p) and (d, 2p) reaction cross sections leading to hydrogen– gas bubble accumulation in the structural materials are very important for radiation damage studies. In contrast to the case of neutrons, systematics of deuteron activation cross sections, including those leading to hydrogen, triton, and helium–gas accumulation, is modest while even the newest evaluations show apparent discrepancies. Thus, the present work is devoted to the comparative analysis of measurements, model calculations, and evaluation corresponding to (d, p), and (d, 2p) activation cross sections, to improve the description of existing data and to provide trustful predictions where no measured data exist.

Deuteron-induced reactions on Zrnat up to 60 MeV

Background: The deuteron weak binding energy is responsible for high complexity of the deuteron interaction with nuclei that involves also a variety of reactions initiated by the nucleons following the deuteron breakup (BU). An update of both the scarce experimental deuteron database and the incomplete theoretical frame of the deuteron activation analysis is thus needed. Removal of discrepancies between experimental data, and a consistent inclusion of BU as well as of stripping and pickup direct reactions (DR) contributions within deuteron activation analysis, besides preequilibrium emission (PE) and fully equilibrated compound nucleus (CN) decay, are essential, too.Purpose: Accurate new measurements of low-energy deuteron-induced reaction cross sections for natural Zr target are intended to enhance the related database and the opportunity for a unitary and consistent account of BU, DR, PE, and CN involved reaction mechanisms.Methods: The activation cross sections of $^{90,91m,92m,94m,95m,95g,96,97}\mathrm{Nb}$, $^{89m,89,95,97}\mathrm{Zr}$, and $^{87m,87g,87,88,90m,91m,94}\mathrm{Y}$ nuclei in deuteron-induced reactions on Zr at energies up to 20 MeV were measured by the stacked-foil technique and high-resolution $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ spectrometry using the U-120M cyclotron of the Center of Accelerators and Nuclear Analytical Methods (CANAM) infrastructure of the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (NPI CAS). Their extended analysis, together with all available data for deuteron interactions with Zr isotopes up to 60 MeV, has included every process from elastic scattering until CN evaporation, with particular attention paid to BU and DR mechanisms.Results: Newly measured activation excitation functions proved essential for the deuteron database, while analysis of all available data strengthens their consistent account provided that (i) suitable BU and DR assessment is completed by (ii) PE and CN contributions corrected for total-reaction cross-section decrease due to the leakage of the initial deuteron flux towards BU and DR processes.Conclusions: The suitable description of nuclear mechanisms involved within deuteron-induced reactions on Zr, especially the BU and DR processes, is validated by overall agreement of the calculated and measured cross sections including the new experimental data at low energies.

Analysis of carbon in archaeological glass and pottery by low energy deuteron activation technique

Analysis of carbon in archaeological glass and pottery by low energy deuteron activation technique

Analysis of Na, Mg, Al and Cl in archaeological glass and pottery: comparison of PIGE with low energy deuteron activation analysis

Na, Mg, Al and Cl in Roman glasses and pottery were analyzed by PIGE with 2.5 MeV protons and 2.0 MeV deuteron activation analysis. Both methods are simple and rapid. For Na, Mg and Al in glasses, the detection limits with PIGE and deuteron activation are: 40, 800, 300 (µg/g) and 120, 110, 100 (µg/g), respectively. PIGE is not suitable for trace analysis of chlorine. The detection limit of Cl is 500 µg/g for 2 MeV deuteron activation. PIGE is a sensitive method for Na analysis. At low concentrations of Mg and Al, deuteron activation with its higher sensitivity and improved photopeak-to-background ratios, gives more precise and accurate results than PIGE.

Deuteron-induced reactions on manganese at low energies

The scarce data systematics and complexity of deuteron interactions demand the update of both the experimental database and theoretical frame of deuteron activation cross sections. Various reactions induced by neutrons and protons following the deuteron breakup (BU) should be also taken into account. On the other hand, deuteron reaction cross sections recommended recently for high-priority elements are still based on data fit without predictive power. Purpose: Accurate new measurements of low-energy deuteron-induced reaction cross sections for monoisotopic (55Mn) natural manganese target enhance the related database as well as the opportunity of an unitary and consistent account of the related reaction mechanisms. Method: Activation cross sections of 54,56Mn, and 51Cr nuclei by deuterons on $^{55}$Mn were measured at energies <20 MeV by the stacked-foil technique and high resolution gamma spectrometry at the U-120M cyclotron of CANAM, NPI CAS. Then all available data for deuterons on 55Mn up to 50 MeV are analyzed paying particular attention to BU and direct reaction (DR) mechanisms. Results: Newly measured activation cross sections strengthen the deuteron database at low energies, at once with a consistent account for the first time of all available data. Conclusions: Due account of deuteron-induced reactions on 55Mn, including particularly the new experimental data at low energies, is provided by a suitable BU and DR assessment.

Charged particle activation facility in NPI CAS and in future GANIL/SPIRAL2-NFS

The proton, deuteron and alpha induced reactions are of a great interest for the assessment of induced radioactivity of accelerator components, targets and beam stoppers as well as isotope production for medicine and also to nuclear astrophysics. We present a new irradiation chamber for activation measurements, that forms a prolongation of long-term experimental activities using stacked-foil activation technique in NPI CAS, Řež. The chamber is based on an airlock system and is coupled to a pneumatic transfer system delivered by KIT Karlsruhe. This system is installed in GANIL/SPIRAL2-NFS and will be used for proton, deuteron and alpha particle activation measurements with long- and short-lived isotopes.

Measurement of deuteron-induced nuclear reactions cross-sections on 197Au and on natCu focused on the theranostic 197m,gHg

Theranostic 197m,gHg of high specific activity may be produced by proton or deuteron activation of gold. The particle choice affects the isomeric ratio. In order to compare both projectiles, we re-measured cross-sections of the nuclear reactions 197Au(d,x)197mHg, 197gHg, 198mAu, 198gAu, 196m2Au, 196m1+gAu in the energy range of 8.3–19.7 MeV having employed usual stacked-foil method. The obtained values were compared with previously measured data and with prediction of the TALYS nuclear reaction model code adopted from the TENDL-2017 library. Experimental data were used for calculation of the thick target yields. The yields for the isomeric pair 197m,gHg were confronted with those for recently re-measured proton-induced reactions. We also provide a new data set for the reaction natCu(d,x)63Zn.

The activation of W and Zr by deuterons at energies up to 20 MeV

The proton and deuteron induced reactions are of a great interest for the assessment of induced radioactivity of accelerator components, target and beam stoppers. In order to investigate the important nuclides, we have carried up the irradiation experiments with the variable-energy cyclotron U-120 M of the NPI CAS Řež. The production cross sections of the nuclides 179,181,182m,182,183,184m,184,186Re and 187W from reaction on natural W were investigated by deuteron beams of 20 MeV energy. A part of preliminary results of deuteron activation of natural Zr is also shown. The stacked-foil technique was utilized. The comparison of present results to data of other authors and to predictions of evaluated data libraries is discussed.

Proton and deuteron activation measurements at the NPI and future plans in SPIRAL2/NFS

The proton- and deuteron-induced reactions are of a great interest for the assessment of induced radioactivity of accelerator components, target and beam stoppers as well as isotope production for medicine. In the present work, the deuteron-induced reaction cross sections on zinc were investigated by stacked-foil activation technique with deuteron beam of 20 MeV energy from the cyclotron U-120M of NPI CAS Řež. Also the proton activation cross section measurement of iron is presented. The comparison of present results to data of other authors and to predictions of evaluated data libraries is discussed. The investigation shall continue for higher proton and deuteron energy interval 20–35 MeV at SPIRAL2/NFS facility using a charged particle irradiation chamber with pneumatic transport system to measure isotopes and isomers with half-lives in minutes-regions.

Direct processes effects on deuteron activation cross sections

An extended analysis of reaction mechanisms involved in deuterons interaction with target nuclei from 27Al till 231Pa, at incident energies up to 60 MeV, is presented. Increased attention is devoted to direct processes, concerning the breakup, stripping, and pickup contributions to the deuteron activation cross sections. Finally, the pre-equilibrium and evaporation cross sections, corrected for the initial flux leakage towards direct processes, have completed the deuteron interaction analysis. The overall agreement of the measured data and model calculations proves the correctness of nuclear mechanism description.

Low energy deuteron-induced reactions on Fe isotopes

The activation cross sections for production of $^{51}\mathrm{Cr}$, $^{52,54,56}\mathrm{Mn}$, $^{59}\mathrm{Fe}$, and $^{55,56,57,58}\mathrm{Co}$ radioisotopes in deuteron-induced reactions on natural Fe were measured at deuteron energies up to 20 MeV. Then, within an extended analysis of deuteron interactions with ${}^{\mathrm{nat}}$Fe, all processes from elastic scattering until the evaporation from fully equilibrated compound system have been taken into account. Following the available elastic-scattering data analysis that supports the deuteron optical potential for reaction cross sections calculations, increased attention is paid especially to the breakup (BU) mechanism and direct reactions (DR). The deuteron activation cross-section analysis is completed by consideration of the preequilibrium and compound-nucleus contributions, corrected for decrease of the total reaction cross section due to the leakage of the initial deuteron flux towards BU and DR processes. The overall agreement of the measured data and model calculations validates the description of nuclear mechanisms taken into account, particularly the strong effects of direct interactions that have still not been appropriately considered within previous deuteron activation evaluations.

Analysis of Deuteron Breakup and Induced Activation on Medium Nuclei

An extended analysis of the nuclear reaction mechanisms involved within deuterons interaction with Co and Nb is presented. First, the available elastic-scattering data analysis provided the optical potential for reaction cross sections calculations. An increased effort has been devoted to the breakup mechanism, both the elastic breakup and the breakup fusion contributions to the different activation cross sections being carefully considered. Next, the direct reaction contributions, namely the stripping and pick-up reaction cross sections have been calculated. Finally, the preequilibrium and compound-nucleus cross-section calculation, corrected for the breakup and stripping decrease of the total reaction cross section, completed the deuteron activation cross-section analysis. The overall agreement between the measured and calculated deuteron activation cross sections proves the adequacy of nuclear mechanisms suite.

Low and medium energy deuteron-induced reactions onCu63,65nuclei

The activation cross sections of (d,p), (d,2n), (d,3n), and (d,2p) reactions on 63,65Cu were measured in the energy range from 4 to 20 MeV using the stacked-foils technique. Then, following the available elastic-scattering data analysis that provided the optical potential for reaction cross sections calculations, an increased effort has been devoted to the breakup mechanism, the direct reaction stripping, and the pre-equilibrium and compound-nucleus cross section calculations, corrected for the breakup and stripping decrease of the total reaction cross section. The overall agreement between the measured and calculated deuteron activation cross sections proves the correctness of the nuclear mechanisms account, next to the simultaneous analysis of the elastic-scattering and reaction data.

Assessment of deuteron-induced reaction mechanisms at low and medium energies

An extended analysis of the nuclear reaction mechanisms involved in the deuterons interaction with 63,65 Cu is presented. First, the available elastic-scattering data analysis provide d us the optical potential for reac- tion cross sections calculations. An increased effort has been devoted to the breakup mechanism, both the elastic breakup and the breakup fusion contributions to the different activation cross sections being carefully considered. Next, the direct reaction contributions through the one nucleon stripping re action cross sections have been cal- culated. Finally, the pre-equilibrium and compound-nucleus cross-section calculation, corrected for the breakup and stripping decrease of the total reaction cross section, completed the d euteron activation cross-section anal- ysis. The overall agreement between the measured and calculated deuteron activation cross sections proves the correctness of the nuclear mechanisms account.

Deuteron breakup effects on activation cross sections at low and medium energies

An extended analysis of the reaction mechanisms involved in the deuterons interaction with light and medium nuclei, 27Al and 63,65Cu, at incident energies from 3 to 60 MeV starting with elastic scattering until the evaporation from fully equilibrated compound system is presented. An increased attention is devoted to the breakup mechanism, all its components, the elastic, inelastic (fusion), and total breakup, being carefully analysed. Moreover, the corresponding stripping mechanism contribution to the (d, p) and (d, n) reaction cross sections through population of the discrete levels of the residual nuclei, was calculated. Finally, following the decay path, the pre-equilibrium and evaporation cross sections, corrected for the breakup and stripping decrease of the total reaction cross section, have completed the deuteron activation cross sections analysis. The overall agreement between the measured data and model calculations proves the correctness of nuclear mechanism description taken into account for the deuteron-nucleus interaction.

Analysis of deuteron elastic scattering and induced activation cross-sections of light and medium nuclei for IFMIF EVEDA

An extended analysis has been performed of elastic-scattering and reaction cross-sections of deuterons on the Al 27 nucleus, for deuteron energies from 3 to 60 MeV, based on a semi-microscopic optical potential with a double-folding real part and phenomenological imaginary and spin-orbit terms. An increased effort is devoted to the breakup mechanism, the analysis of proton-emission spectra and angular distributions from deuteron-induced reactions on nuclei from Al to Pb, at incident energies from 15 to 80 MeV, providing the energy- and mass-dependence of the breakup mechanism contribution. The corresponding direct-reaction cross-sections within the same energy range has then been analyzed, the improved description of both the elastic-scattering and reaction measured data backing the proper use of these optical potentials for deuteron activation assessment.

Activation of the IFMIF lithium loop corrosion products

The assessment of the activation of steel corrosion products generated in 1 year of International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF) lithium loop operation due to the interaction between lithium and Stainless Steel SS-304 has been performed. The paper considers both the neutron and the deuteron activation and it describes the approach used for and presents the results obtained. ANITA-IEAF and ANITA-DEUT activation code packages have been used, respectively, for neutrons and deuterons contribution to the inventories calculations and decay gamma sources production. The activation due to deuterons is about 40 times that due to neutrons. Dose rate evaluations via Vitenea-IEF/SCALENEA-1 external to a pipe of the lithium loop have been performed. The deuterons contribution results to be about two orders of magnitude higher of the corresponding ones due to neutrons. For QA purposes, MCNP-4C2 system has been also used to calculate the neutron contribution to the dose rate. Discrepancies between the two approach results are within 1%. A sensitivity analysis aiming to evaluate the impact of the choice of different neutron source models on the dose rates is presented, with reference to the neutron contribution.

Thermoluminescence dosimetry of model line sources containing vanadium-48

Among several types of sources used or suggested for intravascular brachytherapy (IVBT) an interesting proposition is a positron–gamma emitter, vanadium 48V ( E max , β + 0.7 MeV, t 1 / 2 = 15.97 d), which can be produced by proton or deuteron activation of ready-to-use titanium-rich stents. Accurate mapping of doses delivered by IVBT sources is essential. In this work, dosimetry of model line sources containing 48V was performed by means of the thermoluminescence method, aiming at high spatial resolution. The sources were made of 0.25 mm titanium wire activated with 17 MeV protons in the AIC-144 cyclotron. The radial dose distribution was measured using a batch of sandwich detectors of 2 mm diameter, with 0.05 mm MCP (LiF:Mg,Cu,P) radiation-sensitive layer. The 2-D dose distribution was mapped with a batch of large-area sintered MCP detectors of 19 mm diameter, which were further scanned on a protype 2-D thermoluminescent reader equipped with a CCD camera. Spatial resolution of both types of the detectors was sufficient to reveal anisotropies of the sources. The results were in accordance with earlier dosimetric data concerning stent-based 48V sources. Applicability of the new detectors in mapping doses delivered by line sources is discussed.