Los Alamos Neutron Science Center Research Articles

A high-intensity, low-energy heavy ion source for a neutron target proof-of-principle experiment at LANSCE

The capability to directly study neutron capture reactions on radionuclides with half-lives on the of order minutes would allow key cross section measurements in nuclear astrophysics and energy applications. However, such experiments with stationary targets are currently impossible because of signal detection and target sample fielding issues. To overcome these challenges, a neutron target facility is being developed to permit neutron capture experiments on unstable isotopes in inverse kinematics at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). This next-generation facility will consist of a heavily moderated, high-intensity spallation neutron target coupled with a radioactive ion beam storage ring. A proof-of-principle experiment is underway to demonstrate this neutron target concept at LANSCE in the near term with stable ions and without a storage ring. Here, mA-level beams of 10-50 keV heavy ions exhibiting large resonant neutron capture cross sections will be generated by a new ion source, transported through a large-volume neutron moderator surrounding an adjacent spallation target driven by the LANSCE accelerator, and collected downstream of the moderator for subsequent decay-counting measurements. The neutron density within the moderator will be obtained from these decay yields and compared with Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulation results. The science application, operational requirements, and performance objectives for this heavy ion source will be presented.

A two-layer Timepix3 stack for improved charged particle tracking and radiation field decomposition

Abstract We characterize a novel instrument designed for radiation field decomposition and particle trajectory reconstruction for application in harsh radiation environments. The device consists of two Timepix3 assemblies with 500 µm thick silicon sensors in a face-to-face geometry. These detectors are interleaved with a set of neutron converters: 6LiF for thermal neutrons, polyethylene (PE) for fast neutrons above 1 MeV, and PE with an additional aluminum recoil proton filter for neutrons above ∼4 MeV. Application of the coincidence and anticoincidence technique together with pattern recognition allows improved separation of charged and neutral particles, their discrimination against γ-rays and assessment of the overall directionality of the fast neutron field. The instrument's charged particle tracking and separation capabilities were studied at the Danish Center for Particle Therapy (DCPT), the Proton Synchrotron, and Super Proton Synchrotron with protons (50–240 MeV), pions (1–10 GeV/c and 180 GeV/c). After developing temporal and spatial coincidence assignment methodology, we determine the relative amount of coincident detections as a function of the impact angle, present the device's impact angle resolving power (both in coincidence and anticoicidence channels). The detector response to neutrons was studied at the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI), at n_ToF and the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), covering the entire spectrum from thermal up to 600 MeV. The measured tracks were assigned to their corresponding neutron energy by application of the time of flight technique. We present the achieved neutron detection efficiency as a function of neutron kinetic energy and demonstrate how the ratio of events found below the different converters can be used to assess the hardness of the neutron spectrum. As an application, we determine the neutron content within a PMMA phantom just behind the Bragg-peak during clinical irradiation condition with protons of 160 MeV.

Neutron Total Cross Sections of 232Th, 237Np, 235,238U, and 239Pu from 3 to 230 MeV

Neutron total cross-section data for 232Th, 237Np, 235,238U, and 239Pu were measured over the energy range of a few MeV up to 230 MeV at the Weapons Neutron Research Facility of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The results for 235U, 237Np, and 239Pu are the first to be reported over this full energy range. Our data are compared to the ENDF/B-VIII.0 and JENDL-5 evaluations and to selected previous data sets. These results provide neutron cross sections with small statistical uncertainties and low systematic errors to improve theoretical modeling and data evaluation for these nuclei.

Quantification of the light output anistropy in deuterated stilbene

Deuterated stilbene is an organic scintillator that is a desirable material for fast neutron spectroscopy using spectrum unfolding techniques without requiring time-of-flight information. Due to the crystal structure of the material, some anisotropy of the light output exists, which is dependent on the direction of heavy charged particle recoil relative to the crystal structure. The anisotropy of trans-stilbene (hereafter referred to as stilbene) has been well characterized in previous work, but for deuterated stilbene, the anisotropy has only been partially characterized along the a and b crystal axes, while the artificial c′ axis, which shows the largest anisotropy in stilbene, has not been characterized until this publication. In this work, two deuterated stilbene crystals were characterized with neutron energies up to 35 MeV at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. For one of the crystals, the response is characterized along the a, b, and c′ axes. This characterization shows a distinct anisotropy along the axes in deuterated stilbene, which is very similar to that found in regular stilbene, such that the a axis is the brightest, while the b and c′ axes are approximately 3% and 20%–35% lower relative to the a axis.

A TOPAS model for lens-based proton radiography

Objective. Proton Radiography can be used in conjunction with proton therapy for patient positioning, real-time estimates of stopping power, and adaptive therapy in regions with motion. The modeling capability shown here can be used to evaluate lens-based radiography as an instantaneous proton-based radiographic technique. The utilization of user-friendly Monte Carlo program TOPAS enables collaborators and other users to easily conduct medical- and therapy- based simulations of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The resulting transport model is an open-source Monte Carlo package for simulations of proton and heavy ion therapy treatments and concurrent particle imaging. Approach. The four-quadrupole, magnetic lens system of the 800-MeV proton beamline at LANSCE is modeled in TOPAS. Several imaging and contrast objects were modelled to assess transmission at energies from 230–930 MeV and different levels of particle collimation. At different proton energies, the strength of the magnetic field was scaled according to βγ, the inverse product of particle relativistic velocity and particle momentum. Main results. Materials with high atomic number, Z, (gold, gallium, bone-equivalent) generated more contrast than materials with low-Z (water, lung-equivalent, adipose-equivalent). A 5-mrad collimator was beneficial for tissue-to-contrast agent contrast, while a 10-mrad collimator was best to distinguish between different high-Z materials. Assessment with a step-wedge phantom showed water-equivalent path length did not scale directly according to predicted values but could be mapped more accurately with calibration. Poor image quality was observed at low energies (230 MeV), but improved as proton energy increased, with sub-mm resolution at 630 MeV. Significance. Proton radiography becomes viable for shallow bone structures at 330 MeV, and for deeper structures at 630 MeV. Visibility improves with use of high-Z contrast agents. This modality may be particularly viable at carbon therapy centers with accelerators capable of delivering high energy protons and could be performed with carbon therapy.

Radiation-Induced Noise Resilience of Neuromorphic Architectures

Neuromorphic event-based networks use asynchronous time-dependent information to extract features from input data that can allow for edge-based distributed applications such as object recognition. The noise resilience properties of such networks, especially in the context of space applications, are yet to be explored. In this paper, we use the hierarchy of time surfaces (HOTS) algorithm, which is one of the neuromorphic algorithms, to understand the least and most resilient modules in a neuromorphic network. The HOTS algorithm relies on the computing of time surfaces that maps the temporal delays between neighboring pixels into normalized features that involve many computations that are also found in other neuromorphic networks such as exponential decays, distance computations, etcetera. We implemented HOTS on a Digilent PYNQ board with a Xilinx Zynq 7020 system on a chip, and we subjected the boards running the HOTS network inference to neutron radiation at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. Furthermore, we used simulation models from our previous similar experiments on the event-based sensor to create a neutron induced noise model to quantify the effect of this noise on the overall performance of the network. This experiment provides the preliminary measurements of the reliability of the HOTS algorithm and proposes methods to create a more reliable HOTS architecture in future spacecraft missions.

Electrospraying deposition and characterization of potassium chloride targets for nuclear science measurements

Natural and isotopically enriched KCl targets were prepared using specially formulated KCl solutions, deposited by electrospraying on thin (1.5μm) gold backings, followed by a short annealing in a preheated (350–450 °C) furnace. Various techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), were used to characterize the produced targets. A white neutron beam at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) facility was also used to verify the estimated atomic percentages of the enriched 40KCl targets. KCl was deposited relatively uniformly as large particles rather than films on the gold surface. This method can be broadly extended to make stable targets that are difficult to produce with other methods and more exotic radioactive targets required for research in fundamental sciences and applications.

Exploring cesium properties internal to the LANSCE H- ion source using resonant absorption spectroscopy

The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) H- ion source has provided stable output for decades of LANL mission needs, but its maximum beam output has remained the same at ∼15 mA. A roadblock to improving beam output has been a lack of thorough understanding of the internal mechanisms of LANSCE H- ion source. The LANSCE H- Ion Source Laser Diagnostic Stand (HLDS) was recently built and commissioned to explore these internal mechanisms using laser absorption techniques, to measure and diagnose dynamic H- and cesium densities. The cesium density probe is based on resonant absorption of a continuous wave diode laser tuned though the D2 line of cesium (∼852 nm). The diagnostic capabilities of HLDS will be reviewed, and measurements using the cesium laser diagnostic will be presented.

Use of LANSCE Spallation Neutrons to Drive a Fusion Prototypic Neutron Source

A high-power neutron-producing spallation source is one option for meeting the mission of a fusion prototypic neutron source (FPNS). The Los Alamos Neutron Science Center at Los Alamos National Laboratory is uniquely suited to host such a source. A target concept has been developed that satisfies the initial goals established for an FPNS, as has a beam transport design that satisfies beam-on-target requirements for the concept. We discuss the potential impact of pulsed beam operation on radiation-induced changes in microstructure, as well as the ingrowth of calcium in steel alloys at a rate well beyond that expected in a fusion reactor first wall. A preliminary thermomechanical assessment shows the need to modify the target design to reduce temperatures and stresses in the tungsten target.

Photon strength functions, level densities, and isomeric ratio in Er168 from the radiative neutron capture measured at the DANCE facility

Background: The statistical approach is usually applied for the description of electromagnetic decay of the nucleus with the exception of the lowest excitation energies as well as for the calculation of the interaction of photons with nuclei, in particular the reaction cross sections. This concept employs nuclear level density (NLD) and photon strength functions (PSFs).Purpose: While PSFs and NLD of some well-deformed rare-earth nuclei were measured by several methods, sometimes with conflicting results, the PSFs of $^{168}\mathrm{Er}$ were addressed only by $(\ensuremath{\gamma},{\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{\ensuremath{'}})$ experiments. On the other hand, the low-lying levels of $^{168}\mathrm{Er}$ are well studied, including the isomeric state at 1094 keV, which enables various tests of the statistical approach.Methods: The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ rays following radiative neutron capture on a $^{167}\mathrm{Er}$ sample were measured with the highly segmented $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray calorimeter Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray energy spectra for different multiplicities (multistep cascade, or MSC, spectra) were gathered for many $s$-wave resonances of both possible spins. Moreover, we were able to detect the decay of the short-lived isomer and deduce the isomeric ratio for a few resonances.Results: Analysis of the MSC spectra within the statistical model enabled us to draw conclusions about dipole PSFs, in particular on the properties of the scissors mode, and NLD. The spectra can be well reproduced with phenomenological PSFs models but not with any of several models based on quasiparticle random-phase approximation (QRPA) calculations with different interactions. We showed that nonstatistical effects in feeding of the isomeric state play a role up to excitation energies of at least about 2 MeV.Conclusions: Deduced parameters of the scissors mode were found to be similar to those of neighbor well-deformed even-even Gd and Dy nuclei. Models like that of Kadmenskij, Markushev, and Furman (KMF) or like the modified generalized Lorentzian (MGLO) model provide a good description of experimental spectra. In contrast to several previous analyses of well-deformed rare-earth isotopes, we were able to match the experimental isomeric ratio with statistical model simulations.

Comparison of Neutron Radiation Testing Approaches for a Complex SoC

Commercial Systems-on-a-Chip (SoC) have grown more abundant in recent years, including in space applications. This has led to the need to test SoCs in radiation environments, which is difficult due to their inherent complexity. In this work we present two complementary approaches to testing digital SoC devices—a bare metal approach and an operating system based approach—and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Experimental data collected using these two methods in September 2021 from Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) on the Xilinx UltraScale+ MPSoC is presented and discussed.

Advancements of the nSpec system

A new characterization of the detector response for the EJ301 liquid scintillator based nSpec system has been conducted at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The new characterization was accomplished in two orders of magnitude less time and with better statistics than the previous characterization. The new and old characterization methods were compared by conducting both types of characterization on two detectors (one EJ301 and one EJ301D). The two methods show consistent results and compare well to results previously published in the literature; however, the results from the characterization of the original nSpec detector show discrepancies that have been identified as being caused by oxygen being absorbed into the detector due to a leak. The new characterized detector response shows improved spectrum unfolding performance than the previous characterization. The cross talk of the detector system was also characterized as a function of incident neutron energy and found to have a negligible impact on spectrum unfolding results.Alternative materials (EJ301D and stilbene) were also characterized in a first step towards an upgraded system. The different materials show little difference in unfolding performance, but the comparison is ongoing. A SiPM based stilbene detector was used to evaluate the use of SiPMs in a future system upgrade. The SiPM provides adequate performance, but the custom SiPM readout results in a much longer pulse width than PMT based systems. The measured light output of the SiPM based stilbene compares well with the results in literature. Future work will look at additional materials (deuterated stilbene and organic glass) and optimizing the SiPM readout to decrease the pulse width.

The new Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides at LANSCE: Efforts on measuring the resonance(s) responsible for the extremely large 88Zr (n,γ) cross section

The thermal neutron capture cross section of 88Zr was recently reported to be the second largest in nature with the largest resonance integral measured. Presumably, these very large values are caused by a resonance or resonances very near thermal energy. Determining their energies and widths, and hence the shape of the cross section away from thermal energies,is useful for applications. The short half-life (83.4 days) and associated large background, renders direct measurements of the neutron capture cross section impossible using current techniques. However, it is possible to measure the total neutron cross section, and hence the resonance properties, using the newly commissioned Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides (DICER) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Transmission measurements are utilized as a surrogate method to perform capture measurements. The 88Zr needed for a DICER measurement was produced at the Isotope Production Facility (IPF) and cleanly separated from the production target material. A description of the new instrument, efforts and preliminary results on 88Zr will be presented.

New Capabilities of the RPI γ-Multiplicity Detector to Measure γ-Production

Accurate modeling of γ-production in neutron capture reactions is critical for many applications including on-proliferation, safeguards and modeling nuclear reactors. To improve this work, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) 16-segment γ-multiplicity NaI(Tl) detector at the Gaerttner Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Center has been upgraded by implementing a digital data acquisition system. The new digitized system records the γ-energy deposition distribution in each individual detector, and γ-multiplicity values as a function of neutron time-of-flight (TOF). With the new capabilities, high precision capture (and fission) yield measurements can be made, and the accuracy of simulation tools used to predict capture γ-cascades can be tested. To validate the updated system, an experiment was performed using a natural Ta sample to measure 181Ta and 180mTa resonance capture yield by detecting prompt γ-rays emitted from neutron capture interactions as a function of both neutron energy and measured γ-multiplicity of each capture event. The results confirm earlier measurements and agree with theoretical yield in the low energy resonance region from 1 to 20 eV. A 238U(n, γ) measurement was also performed to generate γ-spectra. For capture γ-cascades where the total γ-energy deposition is close to the neutron binding energy, γ-spectra were measured for individual resonance energies and observed γ-multiplicities. The results are comparable in shape to a recent measurement done using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) array at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE); however, differences need to be compared to Monte-Carlo n-particle simulations.

Prompt fission neutron spectra in the 235U(n,f) reaction

Prompt fission neutron spectra (PFNS) are crucial to any neutronic simulation of critical nuclear systems. An experimental setup dedicated to the measurements of PFNS of very high accuracy was developed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) some ten years ago. It allows for the measurement of PFNS for neutron induced fission at the Weapon Neutron Research (WNR) neutron source of the LANSCE. A measurement of the PFNS from the 235U(n,f) reaction was realized recently and is currently analyzed. Preliminary results are presented here and are compared to present nuclear data evaluations.

Evaluation of fault injection tools for reliability estimation of microprocessor-based embedded systems

Statistical fault injection is widely used to estimate the reliability of mission-critical microprocessor-based systems when exposed to radiation and to evaluate the performance of fault mitigation strategies. However, further research is needed to gain a better understanding of the accuracy of the results and the feasibility of their application under realistic radiation conditions. In this article, an understanding of scenarios in which Instruction Set Architecture simulators or emulators may be relied upon for realistic statistical fault injection campaigns is advanced. An analysis is presented of the results from two simulation-based fault injection tools versus a set of fault emulation results on a real processor. The conclusions of the analysis assist the selection of the most efficient tool and method for testing many different software-based fault mitigation techniques within reasonable time periods and at affordable costs throughout an irradiation campaign. In particular, it was established that a partially ordered set of relations could be defined on the basis of statistical fault injection in relation to the effects of different versions of an application and a given simulator that remained unaltered during the irradiation experiments. The tests were conducted with a Texas Instruments MSP430 microcontroller to perform both fault injection campaigns and irradiation experiments using neutrons at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Weapons Neutron Research Facility at Los Alamos, USA.

Implementation and validation of realistic (n, x) reaction yields in Geant4 utilizing a detailed evaluated nuclear reaction library below 20 MeV

Neutron-induced reactions with charged particle emission play an important role in a variety of research fields ranging from fundamental nuclear physics and nuclear astrophysics, to applications of nuclear technologies, to energy production, and material science. Recently, the capability to study reactions with radioactive targets has become important to significantly advance research in explosive nucleosynthesis and nuclear applications. To achieve the relevant research goals and study (n, x) reactions over a broad neutron beam energy range, the Low Energy Neutron-induced charged-particle (Z) chamber (LENZ) at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) was developed, along with varied ancillary instrumentation, to enable the aforementioned research program. For the (n, x) reactions of interest at low energies, a precise simulation of the discrete spectrum of emitted charged particles is essential. In addition, since LANSCE is a user facility, a simulation of the LENZ setup easily accessible by users has a high value. With these goals in mind, we have developed a detailed simulation using the Geant4 toolkit. In this work, we present the implementation and the validation of the simulation using experimental data from recent campaigns with the LENZ apparatus. Specifically, we benchmark the simulation against a similar MCNP-based application, and determine the realistic range of applicability for the utilized probability biasing technique. We describe the implementation of an evaluated library with angular distribution and partial cross-section data, and we perform a validation of the simulation based on comparisons of simulated spectra with experimental ones for a number of targets used in previous experimental campaigns. Lastly, we discuss the limitations, caveats, and assets of the simulation code and techniques used.

A new approach for indirect capture measurements: The DICER neutron transmission station at LANSCE

Direct (n,γ) measurements on radioactive nuclei can often be challenging. Substantial effort has been devoted to developing indirect techniques and perform measurements on short-lived radionuclides of astrophysical interest. A new indirect technique is being explored at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) which enables the calculation of average neuron capture properties from neutron transmission data. A station for neutron transmission, has been under commissioning during the last two years at LANSCE. The Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides (DICER) is currently capable of carrying out measurements on stable cylindrical samples with a diameter as small as 1 mm and mass as low as a few mg. The first year of operation indicate that the DICER instrument is ready to perform its first measurement on a radioactive sample (88Zr, t1/2=83.4 days) which is planned for the winter of 2021. A brief description of the apparatus and details on the latest DICER results will be presented.

6Li(n,t)α reaction event-identification for the 235U(n,f)/6Li(n,t) cross section ratio measurement in the NIFFTE fissionTPC

While nuclear data play an important role in nuclear physics applications, it has become important to have a better understanding of the data and try to minimize the uncertainties. In particular, there is a need for precision neutron-induced fission cross section measurements on fissile nuclei. Neutron-induced fission cross sections are typically measured as ratios, with a well-known standard in the denominator. While the 235U(n,f) reaction is a well measured standard, some light particle reactions are also well-known and their use as reference can provide information to remove shared systematic uncertainties that are present in an actinide-only ratio. A recent measurement of the 235U(n,f) reaction using as a reference the standard 6Li(n,t) reaction, was conducted at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center using the NIFFTE collaboration’s fission time projection chamber (fissionTPC). The fissionTPC is a 2×2π charged particle tracker designed for measuring neutron-induced fission. Detailed 3D track reconstruction of the reaction products enables evaluation of systematic effects and corresponding uncertainties which are less directly accessible by other measurement techniques. This work focuses on the analysis for the event identification of the 6Li(n,t)α reaction in the fissionTPC.

Constraining the nuclear spin distribution using improved ^{197}Au neutron resonance parameters

New neutron transmission data at resonance energies using a ^{197}Au sample were measured using an early version of the Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides (DICER), which is under development at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). These data were combined with previous neutron transmission and capture data in a simultaneous R-matrix analysis to extract improved neutron resonance parameters for this nuclide. As a result, total radiation widths, varGamma _{gamma }, were obtained for 33 J=1 and 44 J=2^{197}Au+n resonances. varGamma _{gamma } distributions for these two spins states were compared to distributions calculated according to the nuclear statistical model using published nuclear level density (NLD) and photon strength functions (PSF) measured using the Oslo technique. The calculated distributions were found to be narrower and the average values for the two spins states closer together than the data. The calculation can be brought into agreement with the data by substantial modifications to the spin distribution in ^{198}Au as a function of excitation energy. As far as we know, the spin distribution currently is otherwise poorly constrained. The modified spin distribution changes the shapes of the NLD and PSF extracted using the Oslo technique and so could have broad implications.