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Rusev, Gencho Y.

Publications and source records attributed to Rusev, Gencho Y..

At least 19 records

169 Tm(n,$\gamma$) cross section measured at DANCE

During the US nuclear testing program, known tracer materials could be loaded into the device prior to detonation. If those materials had activation products from nuclear reactions, they could be recovered and counted post-test to study how they transmuted during the neutron exposure. This information may be used to try to infer information about the physical conditions during the detonation. These materials are often referred to as “radiochemical detectors” or “radiochemical tracers”. Thulium, which has only one stable isotope, thulium-169, is one such material that may be employed as a detector.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

GEANT4 code for DANCE with NEUANCE detector-response simulations

A new GEANT4 model for DANCE with NEUANCE has been developed to account for the change in the DANCE configuration when NEUANCE is installed. In this model, the energy resolution and the shape of the threshold of the individual DANCE detectors are used as an input to provide realistic representation of the measured γ-ray spectra. In addition, the distance from each detector to the target is defined in an input file as well as the physical presence of the a detector in the DANCE and NEUANCE arrays. The azimuthal angle of NEUANCE is also an external parameter to be tuned to represent the measurement. Simulated spectra are compared with measurements with standard γ-ray calibrated sources.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Neutron-induced capture-to-fission cross section ratio measured at LANSCE

Capture-to-fission cross section ratios are used as an alternative to absolute cross section measurements. This is due to the simplification on the calculations and the reduction of the uncertainties with respect to an absolute measurement of the cross section by eliminating experimental complications like self-absorption, beam/target overlap and non-uniformities. Different capture-to-fission reactions have been measured through the years at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) using the Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments (DANCE) combined with different fission detectors. Some of these are a Parallel Plate Avalanche Counter (PPAC) to detect fission fragments (FF), and the NEUtron detector array at DANCE (NEUANCE) to detect fission neutrons. As DANCE detects the γ-rays produced in capture and fission reactions, the fission instrument placed inside the DANCE cavity is used to tag the fission γ-rays for background identification and subtraction. Some examples of capture-to-fission ratio measurements performed with DANCE in the last years are the 233 U, 235 U and 239 Pu. The measurement technique, the different setups, and other potential applications of the instruments will be explained.

Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)↗

Yield requirements for studies of double (n,2n) reactions on dopant material in NIF Capsules

At the National Ignition Facility (NIF) inertial confinement fusion (ICF) ignition has been achieved, involving yields up to about 5 MJ. In addition, it has been suggested that proposed advances at the NIF facility, involving moderate upgrades in laser energy, could further increase fusions gains to yields in the 30-40 MJ range. Such high yield would open the possibility for new studies in many areas of science. In the present analysis, we focus on how these possible future fusion yields would make measurements of multi-step nuclear reactions on dopant material practical. For this, we consider the scenario of loading dopant material into the ablator of cryogenic capsules and estimate yields needed to measure previously inaccessible double (n,2n) reactions under ICF conditions.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Using solid debris radiochemistry to measure tungsten mixing in ignition experiments [Slides]

Study to understand how high-Z mix impacts burn and to help inform scaling of mix to EYC.Ride-along on ignition-scale experiments (e.g., HyE). Main goal is to constrain ICF mix simulations against simultaneous radiochemical and x-ray emission measurements of mix. Future experiments may alter design of W-layer to change mix characteristics.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Determining the 193 m Ir/ 192 Ir ratio from high-resolution X-ray measurements

Two pellets of iridium salt were irradiated at the center of the Flattop critical assembly, one at low neutron flux and the other at high flux. After that two counting samples were prepared from each pellet following a given chemical procedure. Measurements of the four counting samples were carried out with two high-resolution silicon drift detectors for over a year. Pulse height spectra of the L→M X-rays from 193 m Ir and 192 Ir were approximated with a Voigt function and the ratio of produced 193 m Ir and 192 Ir nuclei obtained. The 193 m Ir/ 192 Ir ratios from each measured spectrum are compared to identify possible systematic deviations.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Study of 149 Sm Capture and Total Cross Sections for Burnup Credit Applications [Slides]

This presentation highlights how capture and transmission measurements were performed with the DANCE (Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments) instrument with capture data from 8 eV – 1 keV, and DICER (Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides) instruments with transmission data from 1meV – 1 keV. There were additional measurements of 147 Sm which had contaminant in the samples, 3.4 eV strong resonance, interesting abnormalities. The data analysis is complete and the R-Matrix analysis almost (90%) complete.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

The new Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides at LANSCE: Efforts on measuring the resonance(s) responsible for the extremely large 88 Zr (n,γ) cross section

The thermal neutron capture cross section of 88 Zr was recently reported to be the second largest in nature with the largest resonance integral measured. Presumably, these very large values are caused by a resonance or resonances very near thermal energy. Determining their energies and widths, and hence the shape of the cross section away from thermal energies,is useful for applications. The short half-life (83.4 days) and associated large background, renders direct measurements of the neutron capture cross section impossible using current techniques. However, it is possible to measure the total neutron cross section, and hence the resonance properties, using the newly commissioned Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides (DICER) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). Transmission measurements are utilized as a surrogate method to perform capture measurements. The 88 Zr needed for a DICER measurement was produced at the Isotope Production Facility (IPF) and cleanly separated from the production target material. A description of the new instrument, efforts and preliminary results on 88 Zr will be presented.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Report on the DANCE/FP14 Beam Profile and plans for the CY23 LANSCE run cycle

During the beam outage at the beginning of calendar year 2022, the Lujan Center Spallation Target was replaced with the Mark-IV design. Most notably, this included a rotated tungsten disk (for neutron production) in the direct line of sight of the upper tier flight-paths (FPs 12-15), which include DANCE, DICER, and the general-purpose flight path 12, all focused on nuclear physics measurements. This change was made in order to significantly improve both the neutron flux and the time-of-flight resolution for neutrons above 1 keV. Details of the design and motivation can be found in Zavorka et al. 2018. Due to the changes in the spallation target, significant work was required to provide new shutters and shielding for the upper tier flight paths. While the planned beam deliver was for September of 2022, because of delays in the installation process, first beam to DANCE was received the afternoon of 22 Nov 2022. Due to accelerator reliability issues, a total of only 18 days of beam were available for the run cycle. Approximately 90 days of development were planned for understanding the neutronic proper<es of the new spallation target. Most of this work could not be completed. Two measurements were completed, of which one will be discussed here.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Variable energy X-ray fluorescence source

Here we detail the design of a variable energy, x-ray fluorescence source using a low activity (1.8×10 6 dpm) 99 Tc β source that irradiates thin foils. By rotating the source among foils of Ti, Zn, Nb, Ag, and Au, the device produces x rays between 4 and 70 keV at a rate near 1 Hz. When the source is placed in a storage position, the external radiation is non-detectable. The design of the shielding and rotation mechanism permits use in vacuum and at liquid nitrogen temperature. The design is intended for the study of the low energy response to radiation impinging upon Ge detector surfaces. The source will be useful for understanding the detector response in large-scale Ge arrays such as MAJORANA and LEGEND.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

New Apparatus for Neutron Capture Measurements on Extra Small Radioactive Samples: The DICER Instrument at LANSCE

We report the neutron capture cross section, the probability per unit area a neutron is absorbed by a nucleus followed by the emission of gamma ray(s), is an important quantity in several fields such as astrophysics, nuclear criticality safety, radiochemical diagnostics, nuclear medicine, nuclear forensics and nuclear security. Accurate knowledge of how neutrons interact with matter is a crucial component to understand physical processes in depth. A great example is the understanding of how our universe was created, a quest that requires accurate modeling in which neutron capture cross sections are a key ingredient

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

New capability for indirect neutron capture measurements: The DICER instrument at LANSCE

The Device for Indirect Capture on Radionuclides (DICER) implements a new indirect technique for (n,γ) studies in which the neutron capture rate is determined from analysis of resonance neutron transmission data. The DICER instrument and associated radionuclide production at the Isotope Production Facility (IPF), both at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE), as well radioactive sample fabrication, have been under development in the last few years. First measurements on a radioactive sample ( 88 Zr, t ½ =83.4 days), which was recently reported to have an extremely large thermal neutron capture cross section and resonance integral, are planned for the winter of 2021. A performance overview, brief details on the 88Zr fabrication and proof of good operation results will be presented.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

233 U(n,$\gamma$) measurements at LANSCE [Slides]

A new measurement at LANSCE combined DANCE and NEUANCE at the end of 2020 and 2021. The 233 U material was provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (December 2020).Two samples of 10 mg and 20 mg of 233 U have been prepared at LANL by Evelyn M. Bond (December 2020). The experiment was performed in December 2020 and June/July 2021. Data analysis is ongoing to extract capture data knowing fission. LANL is looking forward to delivering the capture/fission ratio from (1-300) keV by the end of the FY2022.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

New capability for neutron transmission measurements at LANSCE: The DICER instrument

A new capability for neutron transmission measurements has been developed at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The DICER (Device for Indirect Capture Experiments on Radionuclides) instrument is designed to tightly constrain neutron-capture cross sections for short-lived radionuclides that are beyond the reach of direct techniques, via measurement and analysis of neutron transmission resonances on these same radionuclides. The innovative DICER apparatus enables simultaneous sample-in and sample-out measurements, thus minimizing the amount of sample material needed and reducing the measurements time by half. A description of the current status of the new transmission station, along with a performance overview and results from known reactions, will be presented here.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

233 U(n,$\gamma$) measurements at LANSCE [Slides]

A new measurement at LANSCE combined DANCE and NEUANCE at the end of 2020 and 2021. The 233 U material was provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (December 2020).Two samples of 10 mg and 20 mg of 233 U have been prepared at LANL by Evelyn M. Bond (December 2020). The experiment was performed in December 2020 and June/July 2021. Data analysis is ongoing to extract capture data knowing fission. LANL is looking forward to delivering the capture/fission ratio from (1-300) keV by the end of the FY2022.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗