Nuclear data measurements at the upgraded neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN

Abstract

Applications of nuclear data like neutron-induced reaction cross sections are related to research fields as stellar nucleosynthesis, the study of nuclear level densities and strength functions, and also play a key role in the safety and criticality assessment of existing and future nuclear reactors, in areas concerning radiation dosimetry, medical applications, transmutation of nuclear waste, accelerator-driven systems and fuel cycle investigations. The evaluations in nuclear data libraries are based both on experimental data and theoretical models. CERN´s neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF has produced a considerable amount of experimental data since it has become fully operational with the start of its scientific measurement programme in 2002. While for a long period a single measurement station (EAR1) located at 185 m from the neutron production target was available, the construction of a second beam line at 20 m (EAR2) in 2014 has substantially increased the measurement capabilities of the facility. An outline of the experimental nuclear data activities at CERN´s neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF will be presented.