Recoil Protons Research Articles

Fast neutron energy based modelling of biological effectiveness with implications for proton and ion beams

A practical neutron energy dependent RBE model has been developed, based on the relationship between a mono-energetic neutron energy and its likely recoil proton energy. Essentially, the linear energy transfer (LET) values of the most appropriate recoil proton energies are then used to modify the linear quadratic model radiosensitivities (α and β) from their reference LET radiation values to provide the RBE estimates. Experimental neutron studies published by Hall (including some mono-energetic beams ranging from 0.2 to 15 MeV), Broerse, Berry, and data from the Clatterbridge and Detroit clinical neutron beams, which all contain some data from a spectrum of neutron energies, are used to derive single effective neutron energies (NEeff) for each spectral beam. These energies yield a recoil proton spectrum, but with an effective mean proton energy (being around 50% of NEeff). The fractional increase in LET is given by the recoil proton LET divided by the proton (LETU) value which provides the highest RBE. This ratio is then used to determine the change in the linear-quadratic model α and β parameters, from those of the reference radiation, to estimate the RBE. The predicted proton recoil RBE is then reasonably close to the experimental neutron RBE values found when taking into account the variation inherent in biological experiments. The work has some important consequences. The data of Hall et al (1975 Radiat. Res. 64 245–55) shows that the highest RBE values are found with neutron energies around 0.3–0.4 MeV, but this energy cannot possibly generate recoil proton energies which are higher, as necessary for a 0.68 MeV proton with a 30.5 keV μm−1 LETU (the LET value which provides the maximum obtainable RBE for a specified ion). For 0.4 MeV neutrons with proton recoil energies of around 0.2 MeV, the latter have a LET of around 62.88 keV μm−1. This could have an impact on proton beam RBE modelling. However, this is compensated by finding that the maximum radiosensitivity for mono-energetic neutrons was around 1.7 times larger than previously suggested from experimental ion beam studies, probably due to the necessary spreading out of Bragg peaks for ion beam experimental purposes, sampling errors and particle range considerations. This semi-empirical model can be used with minimal computer support and could have applications in ionic beams and in radioprotection.

Principal Component Analysis applied to neutron dosimetry based on PADC detectors and FNTDs

Solid State Nuclear Track Detectors (SSNTD) have been used as passive dosimeters for many decades. Fast neutron detection is performed by detecting recoil protons generated in a hydrogenous material (neutron converter). The dose is estimated by multiplying the recoil protons track-spots density present on the detector surface by a calibration coefficient obtained from reference irradiations. Therefore, one needs to automatically and reliably discriminate between the track-spots induced by recoil-protons and the spurious signal engendered either by material imperfections or by other ionising particles interactions. The objective of this work is to demonstrate and apply a method, based on the multivariate statistical tool named Principal Component Analysis (PCA), aiming at identifying and filtering out the spurious signal in track detectors. The advantage of this approach is that it can be applied to any type of SSNTD, provided apt definition of initial physical variables describing each track-spot. To show that, we applied the method to poly-allyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) detectors, to filter the signal generated by material imperfections, and to fluorescence nuclear track detectors (FNTDs), to remove the signal induced by other radiation field components. After filtering, dose assessments were compared with reference values of exposures, showing satisfactory agreement. In case of the FNTDs, the procedure proved to be effective regardless of the crystal colouration, which is known to affect signal-rejection techniques based on track-spots fluorescence intensity. The technique also offers the advantage of self-adjusting the filtering parameters based on the currently analysed detector set, as long as calibration and unirradiated detectors are included in the dataset.

Proton inelastic scattering in inverse kinematics as a mean for determining decay rates in continuum: The 9Be + p case

In this work we investigate whether it is feasible with proton inelastic scattering in inverse kinematics to quantify breakup decay rates, by observing the proton recoil in a full kinematics approach. Taking as example the 2.43 MeV excited state of 9Be, we perform an exclusive breakup measurement of 9Be incident on a proton target at an energy of 51 MeV. Two of the three cluster constituents (α and α) as well as the proton target recoil are recorded in a triple coincidence mode. As in other methods we have determined relative α−α and α−n, Q-value and 9Be excitation spectra, energy spectra for all fragments observed and non observed, reconstructed in a full kinematics approach. Additionally to that, we have obtained and concentrated on energy spectra of the proton recoil. The signature of the 9Be configurations were identified in bi-dimensional ΔE−E spectra (proton contour) and decay rates were determined for all three configurations He5+α, Be8+n and α+α+n. Finally a breakup cross section was deduced as σbreak=(142±20)mb. We conclude that proton inelastic excitation to continuum of Borromean light nuclei in inverse kinematics, may provide the mean for probing in the proton recoil spectra the decay rates through all cluster configurations. This involves extensive simulations with the implementation of the experimental conditions and of calculations describing the physics in continuum.

Nuclear matter distributions in the neutron-rich carbon isotopes 14−17C from intermediate-energy proton elastic scattering in inverse kinematics

The absolute differential cross sections for small-angle proton elastic scattering off the nuclei 12,14−17C have been measured in inverse kinematics at energies near 700 MeV/u at GSI Darmstadt. The hydrogen-filled ionization chamber IKAR served simultaneously as a gas target and a detector for the recoil protons. The projectile scattering angles were measured with multi-wire tracking detectors. The radial nuclear matter density distributions and the root-mean-square nuclear matter radii were deduced from the measured cross sections using the Glauber multiple-scattering theory. A possible neutron halo structure in 15C, 16C and 17C is discussed. The obtained data show evidence for a halo structure in the 15C nucleus.

LET and Range Characteristics of Proton Recoil Ions in Gallium Nitride (GaN)

A better understanding of the linear energy transfer (LET) and the range of proton recoil ions in gallium nitride (GaN) is necessary to properly evaluate GaN device radiation tolerance. By analyzing the LET and range of recoil heavy ions in GaN, we can begin to reproduce the body of knowledge that exists for Si-based devices for this upcoming technology. Although the previous data on older technology has impressive depth and breadth, we must be diligent and cautious in the application of these institutional intuitions when applied to emerging technologies such as GaN. As ever increasing materials science advances emerge, a sound methodology for evaluating new technologies must be established in order to apply what we know toward the effort of ensuring radiation tolerance.

Corrections of order [formula omitted], caused by weak magnetism and proton recoil, to the neutron lifetime and correlation coefficients of the neutron beta decay

We calculate the contributions of weak magnetism and proton recoil of order O(Ee2∕mN2)∼10−5, i.e. to next-to-next-to-leading order in the large nucleon mass expansion, to the neutron lifetime and correlation coefficients of the neutron beta decay, where Ee and mN are the electron energy and the nucleon mass, respectively. We analyze the electron-energy and angular distribution for the neutron beta decay with a polarized neutron, a polarized electron and an unpolarized proton. Together with Wilkinson’s corrections (Wilkinson, 1982; and radiative corrections of order O(αEe∕mN)∼10−5 Ivanov et al., 2019), calculated as next-to-leading order corrections in the large nucleon mass mN expansion to Sirlin’s corrections of order O(α∕π) (Sirlin, 1967), the corrections of order O(Ee2∕mN2)∼10−5 provide an improved level of precision of the theoretical background of the neutron beta decay, calculated in the Standard Model, for experimental searches of contributions of interactions beyond the Standard Model.

Timepix3 detector network for nuclear waste monitoring

In the framework of the MICADO project we proposed an active long-term nuclear waste monitoring system based on Timepix3 technology. Particle detectors based on Timepix3 are capable of particle type discrimination and provide spectrometric information in combination with precise timing information. To maximize the versatility of the setup, the Timepix3 detectors employed are equipped with a range of different sensors. To enable measurement of neutrons, two quadrants of the detectors are covered by neutron converters, allowing detection of thermal neutron by capture in 6Li, as well as detection of fast neutrons through recoil protons generated in a polyethylene converter. Within this project a new housing for the detector unit and the readout was developed, with the network currently comprising of 9 such detectors. A specifically developed in-house software handles simultaneous operation of all devices, cluster analysis and data visualization. Energy calibration was performed using an X-ray tube with several fluorescence foils as well as photons from an 241Am source. The neutron and gamma/X-ray detection efficiency calibration was carried out at the Czech Metrology Institute and the results are presented here. Tests on simultaneous operation of all 9 devices were performed using uraninite and 241Am sources.

Unfolding simulation of single-energy and continuous fast neutrons spectrum based on micro-pattern gas detector

This paper focuses on the feasibility of fast neutron energy spectrum measurement. The MCNPX and Geant4 are used to simulate two conversion models of stacking neutrons to protons in the triple GEM cathode coupled with multilayer polyethylene, with five kinds of single-energy neutron sources and Am-Be continuous neutron sources taken as research objects. The response function to 160 single energy neutrons and the recoil proton spectrum distribution of the above sources of the detection system are obtained by simulation. Using GRAVEL algorithm and MLEM algorithm and through simulation, the recoil proton spectra of six kinds of fast neutron sources are obtained, and they are further analyzed. The spectrum outcome is compared with the standard input spectrum, showing that they are in good agreement with each other. The relative uncertainty of the unfolding spectrum is around 10%–15%. In this part the relation of gas detector with the precision of unfolding spectrum is also discussed. The result shows that when the energy resolution of micro-pattern gas detection is better than 30%, the accuracy of fast neutron spectrum can meet the needs of practical applications. Furthermore, a new transformation model is proposed based on previous experiments and proves the feasibility of applying micro-pattern gas detector to fast neutron detection of simulation. Moreover, spectrum reconstruction can be achieved by using the obtained recoil proton spectrum combined with a suitable inversion algorithm. The modeling and spectrum analysis of this study can provide a different method of applying the fast neutron detection system composed of micro-pattern gas detectors to the detection of unknown fast neutron sources and also to the source recognition through spectrum reconstruction.

Measurement of proton-proton elastic scattering into the Coulomb region at Pbeam = 2.5, 2.8 and 3.2 GeV/c

The proton–proton elastic differential cross section at very small four momentum transfer squared has been measured at three different incident proton momenta in the range of 2.5 to 3.2 GeV/c by detecting the recoil proton at polar angles close to 90∘. The measurement was performed at COSY with the KOALA detector covering the Coulomb–nuclear interference region. The total cross section σtot, which has been determined precisely, is consistent with previous measurements. The values of the slope parameter B and the relative real amplitude ratio ρ determined in this experiment alleviate the lack of data in the relevant energy region. These precise data on ρ might be an important check for a new dispersion analysis.

A clear signature of the breakup modes for 9Be on a proton target at 5.6 MeV/nucleon

The breakup of 9Be is studied via an inelastic scattering experiment on a proton target at 5.6 A MeV in inverse kinematics. Two of the three cluster constituents (α and α) as well as the proton target recoil were recorded in a triple coincidence mode allowing a full kinematics approach analysis. In this respect relative α - α and α - n, Q-value and 9Be excitation spectra, energy spectra for all fragments as well as the energy spectrum of the recoil proton were reconstructed. A clear signature of the two breakup sequential modes (5He + 4He and 8Be + n) was identified via the recoiling proton reconstructed spectra together with the direct breakup decay. A strong 5He + 4He mode was observed compatible with previous beta decay experiments.

Cancellation of Leading Contributions to Radiative Corrections to the Cross Section for Elastic Electron–Proton Scattering in Experiments Devoted to Measuring the Proton Charge Radius

A cancellation of leading contributions to radiative corrections to the cross section for elastic electron–proton scattering for experiments devoted to measuring the proton charge radius is studied. The cancellations occur in the contribution of electron interaction with the electromagnetic field. It is shown that, under experimental conditions where the recoil proton is detected, there occurs cancellation in the one-loop approximation not only for the terms containing large logarithms but also for the constants at these logarithms and that a nonzero electron contribution to radiative corrections appears starting from terms that are proportional to $$Q/E$$ , where $$Q$$ is the momentum transfer and $$E$$ is the electron energy in the rest frame of the primary proton.

Clinical Radiobiology of Fast Neutron Therapy: What Was Learnt?

Neutron therapy was developed from neutron radiobiology experiments, and had identified a higher cell kill per unit dose and an accompanying reduction in oxygen dependency. But experts such as Hal Gray were sceptical about clinical applications, for good reasons. Gray knew that the increase in relative biological effectiveness (RBE) with dose fall-off could produce marked clinical limitations. After many years of research, this treatment did not produce the expected gains in tumour control relative to normal tissue toxicity, as predicted by Gray. More detailed reasons for this are discussed in this paper. Neutrons do not have Bragg peaks and so did not selectively spare many tissues from radiation exposure; the constant neutron RBE tumour prescription values did not represent the probable higher RBE values in late-reacting tissues with low α/β values; the inevitable increase in RBE as dose falls along a beam would also contribute to greater toxicity than in a similar megavoltage photon beam. Some tissues such as the central nervous system white matter had the highest RBEs partly because of the higher percentage hydrogen content in lipid-containing molecules. All the above factors contributed to disappointing clinical results found in a series of randomised controlled studies at many treatment centres, although at the time they were performed, neutron therapy was in a catch-up phase with photon-based treatments. Their findings are summarised along with their technical aspects and fractionation choices. Better understanding of fast neutron experiments and therapy has been gained through relatively simple mathematical models—using the biological effective dose concept and incorporating the RBEmax and RBEmin parameters (the limits of RBE at low and high dose, respectively—as shown in the Appendix). The RBE itself can then vary between these limits according to the dose per fraction used. These approaches provide useful insights into the problems that can occur in proton and ion beam therapy and how they may be optimised. This is because neutron ionisations in living tissues are mainly caused by recoil protons of energy proportional to the neutron energy: these are close to the proton energies that occur close to the Bragg peak region. To some extent, neutron RBE studies contain the highest RBE ranges found within proton and ion beams near Bragg peaks. In retrospect, neutrons were a useful radiobiological tool that has continued to inform the scientific and clinical community about the essential radiobiological principles of all forms of high linear energy transfer therapy. Neutron radiobiology and its implications should be taught on training courses and studied closely by clinicians, physicists, and biologists engaged in particle beam therapies.

Fast Neutron Imaging with Semiconductor Nanocrystal Scintillators.

Fast neutrons offer high penetration capabilities for both light and dense materials due to their comparatively low interaction cross sections, making them ideal for the imaging of large-scale objects such as large fossils or as-built plane turbines, for which X-rays or thermal neutrons do not provide sufficient penetration. However, inefficient fast neutron detection limits widespread application of this technique. Traditional phosphors such as ZnS:Cu embedded in plastics are utilized as scintillators in recoil proton detectors for fast neutron imaging. However, these scintillation plates exhibit significant light scattering due to the plastic-phosphor interface along with long-lived afterglow (on the order of minutes), and therefore alternative solutions are needed to increase the availability of this technique. Here, we utilize colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) in hydrogen-dense solvents for fast neutron imaging through the detection of recoil protons generated by neutron scattering, demonstrating the efficacy of nanomaterials as scintillators in this detection scheme. The light yield, spatial resolution, and neutron-vs-gamma sensitivity of several chalcogenide (CdSe and CuInS2)-based and perovskite halide-based NCs are determined, with only a short-lived afterglow (below the order of seconds) observed for all of these NCs. FAPbBr3 NCs exhibit the brightest total light output at 19.3% of the commercial ZnS:Cu(PP) standard, while CsPbBrCl2:Mn NCs offer the best spatial resolution at ∼2.6 mm. Colloidal NCs showed significantly lower gamma sensitivity than ZnS:Cu; for example, 79% of the FAPbBr3 light yield results from neutron-induced radioluminescence and hence the neutron-specific light yield of FAPbBr3 is 30.4% of that of ZnS:Cu(PP). Concentration and thickness-dependent measurements highlight the importance of increasing concentrations and reducing self-absorption, yielding design principles to optimize and foster an era of NC-based scintillators for fast neutron imaging.

Optimization and characterization of a silicon photomultiplier-based ZnS(Ag) proton recoil fast neutron detector for nuclear fuel performance monitoring at TREAT

The restart of the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT) at Idaho National Laboratory and consequent refurbishment of the Fuel Motion Monitoring System (FMMS), or Hodoscope, offers the opportunity to upgrade the detector system used for neutron imaging. Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are a viable option for updating the Hodoscope to yield improved fuel monitoring capability. The Hodoscope uses ZnS(Ag) proton recoil scintillators (PRS) that provide good gamma-ray suppression and discrimination. Previous work showed that the Hamamatsu S13360-6075CS SiPM offers the best neutron detection and gamma-ray discrimination capability with the ZnS PRS. This work optimizes a SiPM-based detector and develops a PRS prototype for testing. Specifically, possible overvoltages for use are determined by confirming steady operation over extended measurement times. In addition, various SiPM-circuit implementations are tested to optimize the detector according to desired properties, and ultimately a PRS prototype is developed with modifiable components for versatile testing. Measurements of the neutron detection efficiency and gamma-ray rejection efficiency of SiPM-based PRS detectors and a reference PMT-based detector are also carried out. Neutron detection efficiency ranges between 1–2%, and detected gamma-ray rejection efficiency is on the order of 10−7. Use of a low-pass filter only or a low-pass filter and 50-ω shunt resistor is recommended for the SiPM-based detector, and both configurations demonstrate improved performance over the PMT-based detector.

ABSOLUTE MEASUREMENT OF 14.57MeV NEUTRON FLUENCE RATE USING PROTON RECOIL NEUTRON TELESCOPE.

A single stage vacuum-type proton recoil neutron telescope (PRT) was used for accurate measurement of 14.57MeV neutron fluence rate from an indigenously developed D-T neutron generator at Purnima, BARC. The telescope consists of a polyethylene radiator having 4cm diameter and CsI (Tl) scintillation crystal having thickness 1.5mm and 4cm diameter separated by 20.5cm kept in a vacuum chamber. The neutron detection efficiency of the telescope for 14.57 MeV neutrons was calculated analytically using n-p scattering cross section data from Evaluated Nuclear Data File VII and also evaluated using fluka simulation. The relativistic transformation of n-p differential scattering cross section from centre-of-mass to laboratory system was used for calculating the efficiency of PRT. The 14.57 MeV neutron fluence rate was also measured using copper foils. The comparison of fluence rate measured using PRT and copper foil activation techniques is presented in this paper. The total uncertainty in measurement using PRT and copper foil activation technique is found to be 3.93 and 6.97%, respectively.

3D track reconstruction of neutron-induced recoil protons in fluorescent nuclear track detectors (FNTDs)

This work presents the analysis of the images acquired by 3D scans of Fluorescence Nuclear Track Detector (FNTD)-based neutron dosimeters irradiated with fast neutrons. The objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of 3D track-spot detection and trajectories reconstruction of recoil protons, offering a robust δ-ray filtering, and investigate if this analysis provides useful information on the exposure conditions, compared to the currently implemented single-layer analysis. The FNTD crystal volume was scanned with a confocal laser scanning microscope to obtain stacked images. The images were processed to detect the foreground track-spots, which were linked using a particle tracking software. We performed a statistical analysis of the recoil-protons reconstructed trajectories. The analyzed data show that it is possible to distinguish neutron spectra having different energies by analyzing the ranges of the detected particles. Moreover, we demonstrate that the incidence of radiation angle can be determined in directional fields. For a reliable detector evaluation, however, better statistics obtained by scanning larger area of the FNTD crystal is needed.

The study of neutron sensitivity of the MCP based on recoil proton detection

A new neutron detector based on a recoil proton and a microchannel plate (MCP) has been developed for the measurement of ultrafast pulse neutrons. In order to know the performance of the detector, the neutron sensitivity was investigated through simulation and experiment. A model of Monte Carlo simulation was set up for neutron sensitivity simulation. In this model, the yields and average energy of protons emitted from polyethylene targets of different thicknesses were calculated as a function of neutron energy. Then, the yields of secondary electrons produced by the recoil protons in the microchannel of the MCP were also calculated. The neutron sensitivity of the detector was finally obtained. The results show that the detector can achieve a neutron sensitivity of more than 10−15 C cm2 if the neutron energy is greater than 1 MeV. Experiments were performed to test the neutron sensitivity on the accelerator at the China Institute of Atomic Energy. The simulated results agreed with those of the experiments considering the uncertainties. The theoretical model of the detector for the calculation of the neutron sensitivity was correct. The performance of the detector accorded with the anticipative purpose.

Characterization of stilbene’s scintillation anisotropy for recoil protons between 0.56 and 10 MeV

The scintillation anisotropy of the single-crystal organic scintillator trans-stilbene was characterized for recoil protons between 0.56 and 10 MeV. The light output and pulse shape anisotropies were measured at 11 distinct recoil proton energies for over 168 recoil proton trajectories relative to the crystal axes. The measurements were performed using a neutron scatter kinematic measurement system and quasi-monoenergetic neutron beams produced by the tandem Van de Graaff accelerator at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL). The extensive recoil proton directional coverage enables interpolation over both energy and direction to form a complete response function of stilbene’s scintillation anisotropy for the measured energy range.

Formation of Local, Transient “Acid Spikes” in the Fast Neutron Radiolysis of Supercritical Water at 400 °C: A Potential Source of Corrosion in Supercritical Water-Cooled Reactors?

Abstract The use of supercritical water (SCW) in GEN IV reactors is a logical approach to the ongoing development of nuclear energy. A proper understanding of the radiation chemistry and reactivities of transients in a reactor core under SCW conditions is required to achieve optimal water chemistry control and safety. A Monte Carlo simulation study of the radiolysis of SCW at 400 °C by incident 2 MeV monoenergetic neutrons (taken as representative of a fast neutron flux in a reactor) was carried out as a function of water density between ∼150 and 600 kg/m3. The in situ formation of H3O+ by the generated recoil protons was shown to render the “native” track regions temporarily very acidic (pH ∼ 1). This acidity, though local and transitory (“acid spikes”), raises the question whether it may promote a corrosive environment under proposed SCW-cooled reactor operating conditions that would lead to progressive degradation of reactor components.

Improved determination of the β−ν¯e angular correlation coefficient a in free neutron decay with the aSPECT spectrometer

This work presents the until now most precise measurement of the angular correlation coefficient $a$ between the momenta of the electron and the electron-antineutrino in free neutron decay. The coefficient $a$ is inferred from a detailed analysis of the integral proton recoil spectrum measured with the $a$SPECT setup, a MAC-E-Filter type spectrometer with $4\ensuremath{\pi}$ acceptance. The result can be used to determine the axial-vector coupling constant ${g}_{A}$ in the weak interaction and shows a tantalizing disagreement with recent measurements of ${g}_{A}$ via the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decay asymmetry in neutron decay.