An Intense Li(d,n) Neutron Radiation Test Facility for Controlled Thermonuclear Reactor Materials Testing

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Abstract
Brookhaven National Laboratory has proposed the construction of an intense Li(d,n) neutron source. The neutron production process is based on the stripping reaction of energetic deuterons on a flowing liquid-lithium target. The resulting neutron fluxes of >1014 n/(cm2 sec) are well collimated in the forward direction providing ∼1 liter of experimental volume for a 100-mA deuteron beam at ∼30 MeV. The neutron energy spectrum is centered at ∼14 MeV and extends from 8 to 20 MeV at FWHM. Models to calculate the radiation damage effectiveness of this neutron spectrum were developed. These show good agreement with the radiation damage expected in a fusion reactor model (BENCH) both in terms of dpa and helium production and recoil energy probabilities. The facility consists of a drift-tube-type linear accelerator producing the 30-MeV deuteron beam. This beam comprising two components (D+ and D−ions) will be directed to the experimental area where it will be stopped on flowing liquid-lithium targets. The two different ion species will provide for the availability of two separate and independent experimental caves.