Designing and Building a Low Energy Neutron Source
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Authors
Arora, Mayank Mohan
Date
2025-01-03
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Proton Beamline Design , Neutron Generation , Neutron Source , Spherical Proportional Counter , Vacuum Chamber Design
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Department of Physics, together with the NEWS-G collaboration at Queen’s University are developing Spherical Proportional Counters (SPC) aimed for dark matter detection research. The response of SPCs to nuclear recoils with the interaction of the hypothetical dark matter particles can be best calibrated with a high intensity beams of medium energy neutrons (~10 keV – 100 keV). Presently, the number of facilities having such neutron sources are quite low. This project aims to design and build a medium energy neutron source at the proton accelerator facility of the Reactor Materials Testing Laboratory (RMTL).
The proton accelerator at RMTL can provide protons with energies up to 8 MeV and a current of 35 µA. Our beamline will utilize protons of around 2 MeV energy and a maximum current of 20 µA. This high current will provide us more neutron intensity compared to other facilities. As the neutron intensity increases, the probability of them interacting with the gas molecules in the SPC also increases giving the physics department a better chance of calibrating.
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Queen's University's Thesis/Dissertation Non-Exclusive License for Deposit to QSpace and Library and Archives Canada
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This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International