Characterization of the source neutrons produced by the Frascati Neutron Generator

Abstract Integral experiments with a neutron source based on the T(d,n)α reaction require a good knowledge of the source neutron distribution. The source neutrons are energy-angle distributed with an energy spread of a few mega-electronvolts and anisotropy emission of a few percent. The characterization of the 14-MeV neutron source of the Frascati Neutron Generator (FNG) has been carried out using an absolutely calibrated U Nat microfission chamber with plane electrodes and 93 Nb(n,2n) 92m Nb activation reaction. The reaction rates have been measured at different angles with respect to the beam direction. The experimental results are compared with the corresponding quantities calculated by using a Monte Carlo code (MCNP) with an “ad hoc” source model. The calculated neutron emission reproduces the measured one satisfactorily well. Improvement of the source model used is discussed.