Experimental Neutron Physics

Relations:

It is a condition for enrolment in course 17ENEF that the student must have received credit for the course 17DEZA in a previous semester

Course guarantor:

Jan Rataj

Lecturer:

Jan Rataj

Tutor:

Jan Rataj

Supervisor:

Department of Nuclear Reactors

Synopsis:

The course is focused on experimental methods and experiments in the field of neutron physics, mainly using radionuclide neutron sources. The lectures are devoted to the theoretical bases necessary for preparation and realization of the laboratory exercises and to the methods of experimental data processing and evaluation. Specifically, the lectures provide detailed description of neutron properties and their utilization, the characteristics of neutron sources, properties of prompt and delayed neutrons, selected methods of neutron detection, neutron transport in substances, production, formation and modification of neutron fields and neutron beams.

The lectures are complemented by the laboratory exercises in the field of neutron detection, measurement of delayed neutrons, study of neutron transport in various substances, experiments with various neutron sources (252Cf, AmBe, D-D neutron generator), preparation and detection of photo-neutron source, calibration of the radionuclide neutron source. The experiments are realized at the VR-1 training reactor and its laboratories.

Requirements:

Syllabus of lectures:

1.Introduction to experimental neutron physics

2.Selected methods of neutron detection

3.Processing and analysis of experimental data

4.Neutron sources and their properties

5.Neutron transport by substances, neutron age, neutron diffusion, neutron attenuation and reflection

6.Formation and modification of neutron fields and beams, neutron beam experiments

Syllabus of tutorials:

1.Study of the statistical character of neutron detection – processing, analysis and evaluation of experimental data

2.Detection of delayed neutrons – determination of their parameters

3.Preparation of photo-neutron source and its half-life measurement

4.Calibration of radionuclide neutron source

5.Study of neutron transport by moderating substances – determination of neutron age and diffusion length

6.Experimental study of neutron attenuation and reflection

7.Presentation of exercises results

Study Objective:

Study materials:

Key references:

[1]Knoll G. F.: Radiation Detection and Measurement. 4th ed., New York: Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2012, 860 s. ISBN 978-1-118-02691-5

Recommended references:

[2]Reuss P.: Neutron Physics, EDP Sciences, 2008, ISBN 9782759803248

Note:

Time-table for winter semester 2024/2025:

Time-table is not available yet

Time-table for summer semester 2024/2025:

Time-table is not available yet

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Jaderné inženýrství - Aplikovaná fyzika ionizujícího záření (elective course)
• Jaderné inženýrství - Jaderné reaktory (PS)
• jaderné inženýrství - Radioaktivita v životním prostředí (elective course)