Simulation and Design of a Simple and Easy-to-use Small-scale Neutron Source at Kyoto University

A simple and easy-to-use compact neutron source based on a low power level proton accelerator (proton energy 3.5 MeV and 0.35 kW beam power) at Kyoto University was designed with the conception of low cost, compact size, high safety and intensive thermal neutron flux via Monte Carlo method with PHITS code. By utilizing (p, n) reactions in a beryllium target coupled to a polyethylene moderator and graphite reflector with a wing configuration, this facility is expected to produce time-averaged thermal neutron fluxes suitable for neutron scattering and development of instrumentation, and play a role in educating students in neutron science and performing research with neutrons. Borated polyethylene (BPE) and ordinary concrete were combined to shield the neutron and photon. By using niobium as target backing and water as cooler, it is promising to cope with the problem of thermal damage and hydrogen embrittlement damage. The sizes of moderator and reflector are optimized to have thermal neutron flux as high as possible, while keeping the low ratio of fast neutron flux to thermal neutron flux. The neutron and gamma dose equivalent rates were evaluated and the current shielding configuration is acceptable.