A Fast Spectrum Neutron Source for Materials Irradiation using a Superconducting Electron Linac

Next generation reactor concepts have a common goal of providing safer, longer lasting and economically viable nuclear power plants. Developing radiation damage resistant materials for both in-core and out-of core applications is a critical component of these next generation power plants. Testing these novel materials requires an intense neutron setting. A commonly used tool for testing novel materials is a high flux fast neutron environment. Fission-like spectrum neutrons are currently generated at either a nuclear reactor or a national laboratory scale accelerator such as the proposed Material Test Station at Los Alamos National Lab (using a 800 MeV proton beam). However, there are currently no fast-neutron reactors in the United States, and MTS will not be operational in the near future. We propose a convenient and low-cost alternative: an intense source of fast fission-spectrum neutrons produced from a superconducting electron linac. The proposed source is based on the photo production of neutrons, including (,n), fission, and neutron-induced fission, using a 40 MeV electron beam with power of up to 100 kW. This accelerator energy and power level is within the capabilities of superconducting linacs under development at Niowave. In a parallel project independent to this proposal, Niowave is currently building a radioisotope production facility using a 40 MeV, 100 kW superconducting electron linac. Construction of the facility began in 2014, and the facility will be operational in 2015. The proposed fast neutron source will utilize the same linac as the isotope production station. However, a beamline switchyard will direct the beam between the two endstations: one for isotope production, another is for material irradiations. This SBIR includes the design, optimization and licensing aspects of the fast neutron source. Because a majority of the development is already underway with the isotope production facility, our intent is to have the proposed commercial fast neutron source operational by the completion of Phase II. Phase III of this proposal will commercialize the technology to build dedicated material testing systems and make them available as a commercial product.