CERN n_TOF facility and its possible impact on producing nuclei with large neutron excess

Abstract The n_TOF facility at CERN is a source of neutrons produced by spallation of 20 GeV/ c protons onto a lead target. The outstanding characteristics of this source (very high intensity, 200 m flight path, wide spectral function) make it an extremely useful tool for studying neutron induced reactions. The neutrons in the energy region from 1 to 10 MeV are particularly interesting for producing nuclei with large neutron excess by fission. The onset of an asymmetric fission mode at these energies seems to considerably enhance the yield of neutron rich species. Therefore, a method could emerge for producing neutron rich rare earth nuclei in a region up to now inaccessible.