Tandem Accelerator Facility Research Articles

Experimental and calculated electronic stopping force determination of 24Cr, 28Ni and 22Ti ions crossing PVC and Mylar foils in the ion energy domain of LSS theory

Energy loss measurements for heavy ions (28Ni,24Cr and 22Ti) crossing thin polymeric foil such as PVC and Mylar in the energy range 0.1–0.3 MeV/n have been carried out utilizing the 6MV Tandem accelerator facility at iThemba-labs in Johannesburg (South Africa). These measurements deduced experimental stopping force data have been compared with those calculated using Lindhard, Scharff and Schiott formulation (LSS) and SRIM-2013 predictions. A large significant deviation has been observed between experimental values and those calculated by LSS formula. Based on physical postulate, we have developed a reasonably simple semi-empirical formula that takes in to account a mean residual projectile charge Z1¯ and suitable ξe factor which depend on Z1 and Z2. This new modified LSS formula has been tested and the calculated stopping force values generated by this formula are in close agreement with the measured ones.

Chemical characterization of lithium based ceramics utilizing charged particle activation and ion beam techniques

Non-destructive methodologies using activation analysis and ion beam analysis techniques were optimized for the chemical characterization of ceramic materials, lithium titanate and lithium niobate, which have application in tritium breeding blanket. The analyses were carried out as a part of chemical quality control exercise. The atomic ratios of Li/Ti, Li/Nb were quantified by charged particle activation analysis using 13 MeV proton beam from variable energy cyclotron facility and particle induced gamma ray emission/Rutherford backscattering spectrometry using 3 MeV/2 MeV proton beam from 3MV tandem accelerator facility. The results of these different analytical methods are in good agreement, which established the applicability of these activation analysis and ion beam techniques for the chemical characterization of these ceramic materials.

Activation level of the concrete building and pressure vessel in JAEA-Tokai tandem accelerator

ABSTRACT The activation level of the JAEA-Tokai tandem accelerator facility was investigated experimentally in advance of the future decommissioning. JAEA-Tokai tandem accelerator facility has a higher terminal voltage of 18 MV and a larger total floor area, Compared to other electrostatic accelerators with terminal voltage of 1 MV to 6 MV. Therefore, determination for ‘where,’ ‘what,’ and ‘how many’ nuclides are produced in the facility is crucial. Thermal neutrons generated by beam losses associated with accelerator operations contribute significantly to the activation of equipment and facilities. The accumulated activities of60Co and152Eu; the most considerable radionuclides at the decommissioning, can be deduced by the thermal neutron fluence rate during the accelerator operation. In this study, thermal neutron fluence measurement on the surface of the pressure vessel and concrete building was conducted with conventional methods using dosimeters and metal foil detectors as well as a new method using a portable γ-ray detector. The thermal neutron fluence in the facility during the accelerator operation ranges from 101 to 104 n/cm2/s. The sum of deduced activities of60Co and152Eu in 50 years is much lower than the clearance level of 0.1 Bq/g in all areas except in the irradiation room.

Fast Neutron Activation Analysis at the NCSRD Tandem Accelerator facility: Prognosis and Optimization

Neutron Activation Analysis Prognosis and Optimization (NAAPRO) code was applied for the prognosis of the activation products, their activities, the number of counts recorded in the detector, the minimum detection limits as well as the gamma spectrum obtained in fast neutron activation analysis experiments. Simulations were performed for geological and biological reference materials irradiated with 14 MeV neutrons at the 5.5 MV NCSRD tandem accelerator facility. The results of the study demonstrated the fast neutron analytical capabilities of the accelerator and, moreover, allowed for the optimization of the FNAA parameters, while avoiding the performance of difficult and time-consuming experimental tests at the accelerator facility.

Differential Cross-section Measurements for 3He Elastic Scattering on 16O and 27Al

In the present work measurements to determine the differential cross section values for the elastic scattering of 3He on 16O and 27Al were carried out at the Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI) Tandem Accelerator Facility in Zagreb, Croatia, covering the E3He,lab=3500-5600 keV energy range, using four Silicon Surface Barrier (SSB) detectors positioned at the backscattering angles of 130°, 145°, 157.7° and 165ο. The target was constructed at the facility and was comprised of a thin, self-supporting aluminum foil, upon which a thin layer of natB (isotopic ratio: 11B 80.1%, 10B 19.9%), along with 12C, 14N, 16O, was deposited using the sputtering technique. In addition, an ultra-thin layer of 197Au was evaporated on top for wear protection and normalization purposes.

Chemistry of the elements at the end of the actinide series using their low-energy ion-beams

Abstract Studies of the chemical properties of the elements at the uppermost end of the Periodic Table are extremely challenging both experimentally and theoretically. One of the most important and interesting subjects is to clarify the basic chemical properties of these elements as well as to elucidate the influence of relativistic effects on their electronic configuration. Isotopes of these elements produced at accelerators, however, are short-lived, and the number of produced atoms is so small; any chemistry to be performed must be done on an atom-at-a-time basis that imposes stringent limits on experimental procedures. Here we describe our recent achievements in the effective production of low-energy ion-beams of the elements at the end of the actinide series, fermium (Fm, atomic number Z = 100), mendelevium (Md, Z = 101), nobelium (No, Z = 102), and lawrencium (Lr, Z = 103), using a surface ionization ion-source installed in the ISOL (Isotope Separator On-Line) at the Tandem accelerator facility of JAEA (Japan Atomic Energy Agency). Then the successful measurements of the first ionization potentials (IP1) of these elements with the ISOL setup are reviewed. The measured IP1 values increased up to No via Fm and Md, while that of Lr was the lowest among the actinides. Based on the variation of the IP1 values of the heavy actinides with the atomic number in comparison with those of the heavy lanthanides, the results clearly demonstrated that the 5f orbitals are fully filled at No, and the actinide series ends with Lr. Furthermore, the IP1 value of Lr provoked controversy over its position in the Periodic Table, so a short introduction to this issue is presented. The feasibility of the extension of chemical studies to still heavier elements with their ion-beams generated by ISOL is briefly discussed.

Preliminary results on neutrons TOF experiment using the Neutron Array

We have refurbished and tested a neutron array composed of 81 BC400 plastic scintillator detectors dedicated for neutron measurements in future fusion–fission experiments The Neutron Array (NA) detectors, installed at the 9 MV Tandem accelerator facility of the Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering (IFIN-HH), have been refurbished and the data acquisition system has been updated. We present the characteristics and performances of the NA and of the associated electronics.

HI-TREX—A highly integrated transfer setup at REX-(HIE)ISOLDE

Transfer reactions are a unique tool to populate and probe the structure of nuclei. Due to its unprecedented capabilities in producing and accelerating exotic nuclei, the HIE-ISOLDE facility at CERN provides an excellent opportunity for transfer experiments using radioactive ion beams. We present the concept, layout and prototype measurements with the newly developed HI-TREX particle detection setup, optimized for an efficacious investigation of transfer reactions. A special focus is put on the electronics developments utilizing the custom made, FPGA based GEAR platform for reading the data from the SKIROC2 ASICs. We present performance measurements of the readout and show results from a heavy-ion beam experiment at the Munich tandem accelerator facility MLL.

The Argonne Target Library

As part of the proposal to DOE-NP for the Center for Accelerator Target Science (CATS) initiative, one of the objectives was to develop an inventory of existing targets that will serve as a pool available to the community. Targets collections have been recovered from Yale University due to the closing of their Tandem Accelerator Facility. In addition, accumulated targets from target preparation in the Physics Division over several decades have also been assembled with the intent of providing them to whomever would have a use for them. Space has now become available to compile, catalogue and house these collections. Thus, the Argonne Target Library has been established and its progress and outlook will be discussed in detail.

Theoretical calculations for the reaction 241Am(n, 2n) in the framework of the Hauser-Feshbach model

The cross section of the reaction 2ilAm(n, 2n), has been measured by the activation method in the range from 9.6 to 11.4 MeV, at the Tandem accelerator facility of NCSR Demokritos. Statistical model calculations in the framework of the Hauser- Feshbach theory have been performed, and the first results are presented. Experimental data on the neutron induced fission cross section of 241Am, have been used as a constraint for the calculations. The results of the investigation are presented in comparison with experimental data and previous theoretical evaluations.

Search for α decay of Te104 with a novel recoil-decay scintillation detector

A search for superallowed α decay of N=Z nuclei Te104 and Xe108 was carried out using a novel recoil-decay scintillator detector at the tandem accelerator facility at the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA). Inorganic crystal scintillation material YAP:Ce (yttrium aluminum perovskite) coupled to a position-sensitive photomultiplier tube (PSPMT) was implemented for the first time in a radioactive decay experiment. Residues from the fusion-evaporation reaction Ni58+Fe54→Xe∗112 were separated by the JAEA Recoil Mass Separator (RMS) and implanted into the YAP:Ce crystal. α decays of neutron-deficient tellurium isotopes were identified and proton emission of I109 was observed. The α-decay chain Xe109→Te105→Sn101 was recorded with a time interval of 960 ns between two α pulses. Position localization in the crystal for decays and ions in the energy range from hundreds of keV to 60 MeV was achieved with an accuracy of 0.67 mm, proving that this detector is capable of making temporal and spatial correlations for fast decay events. No conclusive evidence was found for the decay chain Xe108→Te104→Sn100 within 3 days of experiment. However, two events were observed with properties consistent with the reported observation at the Fragment Mass Analyzer (FMA), but with a separation between signals of less than 4 ns. The cross section limit of 130 pb was obtained for production of two events of Xe108, about an order of magnitude below the expectation based on earlier cross section measurements and the hivap fusion-evaporation code.

Validation of the multinucleon transfer method for the determination of the fission barrier height

The validity of the multinucleon transfer (MNT) approach for deduction of fission barrier heights was investigated in an experiment carried out at the JAEA tandem accelerator facility. By using the $^{18}\mathrm{O} + ^{237}\mathrm{Np}$ reaction, fission barrier heights were inferred from fission probabilities of the nuclei $^{239}\mathrm{Np}$ and $^{239,240}\mathrm{Pu}$ produced in the $2n$ and $pn/p2n$ transfer channels, respectively. The deduced values of fission barriers agree well with the literature data, thus demonstrating the potential of the MNT reactions for obtaining fission-barrier data for nuclei not accessible for fission studies via neutron- or light charged particle-induced reactions.

Cu ion beam induced effects and phase study of vanadium oxide thin films

The present work is focused on the optical properties and phase transitions in vanadium oxide thin film due to copper ion irradiation. The deposition of VO2 thin films on Si substrates was carried out in the range of less than 100 nm thickness, by magnetron sputtering. The tandem accelerator facility at National Centre for Physics, Islamabad was used to irradiate the VO2 thin films by 5 MeV Cu ion with variable doses of 1 × 1015, 5 × 1015, 1 × 1016 ions/cm2. The structural properties were studied by the x-ray diffraction and the phase changes from tetragonal to monoclinic were observed. The band gap measurements were carried by diffused reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and surface morphology by high resolution AFM. The AFM results show variant grain size and surfaces roughness with respect to the induced irradiation doses. The smooth surface was observed at comparatively higher dose of the irradiation. The results confirm the excellent optical and electrical properties of vanadium oxide thin films for the application as a smart functional material.

Nuclear structure studies relevant to 136Xe ββ decay

In these proceedings we briefly discuss preliminary results from 138Ba(d, α) and 138Ba(p, t) reactions performed using the Q3D magentic spectrometer at the Maier-Leibnitz- Laboratorium (MLL) tandem accelerator facility in Garching, Germany. Our results aim to provide useful spectroscopic information for the calculation of the 136Xe →136 Ba double beta decay matrix elements.

Chemical characterization of lithium titanate and lithium aluminate as tritium breeders of fusion reactor by PIGE and INAA methods

Lithium titanate and lithium aluminate, proposed as tritium breeding blanket materials in D–T fusion reactor, were analyzed by nuclear analytical techniques as a part of chemical quality control exercise. Concentrations of Li, Ti and Al were quantified by particle induced gamma-ray emission using 4 MeV proton beam from folded tandem ion accelerator facility. Trace elemental concentrations belonging to long-lived nuclides were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis using neutron flux from Dhruva research reactor at BARC. The analysis results are useful in designing a shielded facility for tritium release studies of these irradiated breeder materials.

Comparative analysis of textile metal threads from liturgical vestments and folk costumes in Croatia

Abstract Textile is essential for everyday life in all societies. It is used in clothes for protection and warmth but also to indicate class and position, show wealth and social status. Threads from precious metals have also been used in combination with fibres for decoration in order to create luxury fabrics for secular and religious elites. We performed elemental analysis of 17 th to 20 th century metal threads from various textile articles of liturgical vestments and festive folk costumes collected in the museums of northern, southern and central Croatian regions. In order to determine elemental concentrations in threads we performed comparative X-ray Spectroscopy measurements using: (i) Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) at the Faculty of Textile Technology, (ii) X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) at the Croatian Conservation Institute and (iii) Particle Induced X-ray Spectroscopy (PIXE) at the Ruđer Boskovic Institute Tandem Accelerator Facility using ion micro beam. Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy (RBS) was performed as well on selected samples. SEM-EDX investigations of cross-sections along with the surfaces were also performed. In this work we report and discuss the results obtained by the three X-ray methods and RBS for major (gold, silver, copper) and minor elements on different threads like stripes, wires and “srma” (metal thread wrapped around textile yarn).

Quantification of Hydrogen Concentrations in Surface and Interface Layers and Bulk Materials through Depth Profiling with Nuclear Reaction Analysis

Nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) via the resonant 1H(15N,αγ)12C reaction is a highly effective method of depth profiling that quantitatively and non-destructively reveals the hydrogen density distribution at surfaces, at interfaces, and in the volume of solid materials with high depth resolution. The technique applies a 15N ion beam of 6.385 MeV provided by an electrostatic accelerator and specifically detects the 1H isotope in depths up to about 2 μm from the target surface. Surface H coverages are measured with a sensitivity in the order of ~1013 cm-2 (~1% of a typical atomic monolayer density) and H volume concentrations with a detection limit of ~1018 cm-3 (~100 at. ppm). The near-surface depth resolution is 2-5 nm for surface-normal 15N ion incidence onto the target and can be enhanced to values below 1 nm for very flat targets by adopting a surface-grazing incidence geometry. The method is versatile and readily applied to any high vacuum compatible homogeneous material with a smooth surface (no pores). Electrically conductive targets usually tolerate the ion beam irradiation with negligible degradation. Hydrogen quantitation and correct depth analysis require knowledge of the elementary composition (besides hydrogen) and mass density of the target material. Especially in combination with ultra-high vacuum methods for in-situ target preparation and characterization, 1H(15N,αγ)12C NRA is ideally suited for hydrogen analysis at atomically controlled surfaces and nanostructured interfaces. We exemplarily demonstrate here the application of 15N NRA at the MALT Tandem accelerator facility of the University of Tokyo to (1) quantitatively measure the surface coverage and the bulk concentration of hydrogen in the near-surface region of a H2 exposed Pd(110) single crystal, and (2) to determine the depth location and layer density of hydrogen near the interfaces of thin SiO2 films on Si(100).

Quantification of Hydrogen Concentrations in Surface and Interface Layers and Bulk Materials through Depth Profiling with Nuclear Reaction Analysis.

Nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) via the resonant (1)H((15)N,αγ)(12)C reaction is a highly effective method of depth profiling that quantitatively and non-destructively reveals the hydrogen density distribution at surfaces, at interfaces, and in the volume of solid materials with high depth resolution. The technique applies a (15)N ion beam of 6.385 MeV provided by an electrostatic accelerator and specifically detects the (1)H isotope in depths up to about 2 μm from the target surface. Surface H coverages are measured with a sensitivity in the order of ~10(13) cm(-2) (~1% of a typical atomic monolayer density) and H volume concentrations with a detection limit of ~10(18) cm(-3) (~100 at. ppm). The near-surface depth resolution is 2-5 nm for surface-normal (15)N ion incidence onto the target and can be enhanced to values below 1 nm for very flat targets by adopting a surface-grazing incidence geometry. The method is versatile and readily applied to any high vacuum compatible homogeneous material with a smooth surface (no pores). Electrically conductive targets usually tolerate the ion beam irradiation with negligible degradation. Hydrogen quantitation and correct depth analysis require knowledge of the elementary composition (besides hydrogen) and mass density of the target material. Especially in combination with ultra-high vacuum methods for in-situ target preparation and characterization, (1)H((15)N,αγ)(12)C NRA is ideally suited for hydrogen analysis at atomically controlled surfaces and nanostructured interfaces. We exemplarily demonstrate here the application of (15)N NRA at the MALT Tandem accelerator facility of the University of Tokyo to (1) quantitatively measure the surface coverage and the bulk concentration of hydrogen in the near-surface region of a H2 exposed Pd(110) single crystal, and (2) to determine the depth location and layer density of hydrogen near the interfaces of thin SiO2 films on Si(100).

Determination of Nuclear Charge Distributions of Fission Fragments from $$^{235}$$ 235 U ( $$n_\mathrm{th}$$ n th , f) with Calorimetric Low Temperature Detectors

Calorimetric low temperature detectors (CLTD’s) for heavy-ion detection have been combined with the LOHENGRIN recoil separator at the ILL Grenoble for the determination of nuclear charge distributions of fission fragments produced by thermal neutron-induced fission of \(^{235}\)U. The LOHENGRIN spectrometer separates fission fragments according to their mass-to-ionic-charge ratio and their kinetic energy, but has no selectivity with respect to nuclear charges Z. For the separation of the nuclear charges, one can exploit the nuclear charge-dependent energy loss of the fragments passing through an energy degrader foil (absorber method). This separation requires detector systems with high energy resolution and negligible pulse height defect, as well as degrader foils which are optimized with respect to thickness, homogeneity, and energy loss straggling. In the present, contribution results of test measurements at the Maier Leibnitz tandem accelerator facility in Munich with \(^{109}\)Ag and \(^{127}\)I beams with the aim to determine the most suitable degrader material, as well as measurements at the Institut Laue–Langevin will be presented. These include a systematic study of the quality of Z-separation of fission fragments in the mass range \(82\le A \le 132\) and a systematic measurement of \(^{92}\)Rb fission yields, as well as investigations of fission yields toward the symmetry region.

The beam commissioning of BRIF and future cyclotron development at CIAE

As an upgrade project of the existing HI-13 tandem accelerator facility, the Beijing Radioactive Ion-beam Facility (BRIF) is being constructed in China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE). This project consists of an 100MeV proton compact cyclotron, a two-stage ISOL system, a superconducting linac booster and various experimental terminals. The beam commissioning of the cyclotron was launched by the end of 2013 and on July 4, 2014 the first 100MeV proton beam was received on a temporary target which was positioned at the outlet of the cyclotron. The beam current was stably maintained at above 25μA for about 9h on July 25, 2014 and the cyclotron is now ready for providing CW proton beam on target-source for RIB production. The beam current is expected to be increased to 200–500μA in the coming years. The installation of the ISOL system is finished and the stable ion beam test shows it can reach a mass resolution better than 10,000. It is expected to generate dozens of RIB by 100MeV proton beam. In addition, this paper also introduces the recent progress of the pre-study of an 800MeV, 3–4MW separate-sector proton cyclotron, which is aimed to provide high power proton beam for various applications, such as neutron and neutrino physics, proton radiography and nuclear data measurement and ADS system.