Concept of the Fourth-Generation Neutron Source in Dubna

Abstract

The principles of designing a subcritical neutron-multiplying system with reactivity modulation, which can be used as the target in a superbooster with a linear proton accelerator, are described. Calculations demonstrate that the output neutron-flux density of a pulse can be expected to reach 10¹⁷ cm^–2 s^–1 at maximum and 2 × 10¹⁴ cm^–2 s^–1 on average. The pulse duration of thermal neutrons can be 200–300 and 20–30 μs depending on the moderator and the corresponding pulse duration of the proton accelerator.