Modernizing Nuclear Physics with Neutrons at LANSCE: The Neutron Target Demonstrator, Line A Project, and Neutron Target Facility
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07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
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Record of Decision: H - LEBT Design Modifications
The LAMP Conceptual Design (LCD) is described in the LAMP Conceptual Design Report. The proposed new configuration of the LAMP H - LEBT encompasses multiple changes to the LCD. The new configuration makes use of a single H - source to supply beam to all LANSCE user stations except IPF; this eliminates one of the H - sources in the LCD, and the associated pulsed merger magnet the use of two such sources required. The source current from the sole H - source is gated on a macropulse-by-macropulse basis using techniques demonstrated at SNS (Spallation Neutron Source), specifically, changes to the RF plasma drive power. A pulsed electrode system is used to match the beam into the LEBT transport line, variable on a macropulse-by-macropulse basis to match the source beam current.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Tests and Field Mapping of RODM01 Septum Magnet
RODM01 is a septum magnet located in the extraction region of LANSCE Proton Storage Ring. Tests and field mapping of RODM01 Set #2 were performed on 02/04/2020 by members of AOT-MDE, AOT-RFE and AOT-AE Groups. Setups of test and mapping are presented. Magnetic field measurements was performed using Hall probe. Results of measurements are almost identical to that of RODM01 Set #1 performed in July 2018. Trim coil current of magnet selected to be as - 9.28 A.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
LAMP-PSR Scoping Studies Report
This report summarizes work performed from July – September 2023, performing an initial evaluation for the LANSCE Proton Storage Ring upgrade option “B.” The studies identified potential pathsforward, performing initial beam dynamics studies, and surveying various technology options different aspects of the upgrade. Taken together, the studies provide an “early look” at the feasibility, challenges and alternative methods for pursuing Option “B,” and give guidance towards more detailed design concept development needed as work progresses. Generally speaking, no major obstacles were identified in pursuing the Option “B” PSR upgrade path in terms of the machine physics or overall system architecture. Several areas of concern have been identified; we note that these primarily center on technology choice and must be addressed regardless of the upgrade path selected, and none of the concerns are considered insurmountable.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
Benchmarking fast-neutron response of 7 Li-enriched C 7 LYC scintillators: Simulations and experiment
New insights into the fast neutron response of 7 Li-enriched C 7 LYC scintillators have been obtained through detailed Geant4 simulations of 35 Cl(n,p) and 35 Cl(n, α) reactions that are primarily responsible for the fast neutron response of C 7 LYC. The light output of a 1” x1” C 7 LYC detector was simulated using the Birks equation for light quenching in scintillators. The simulations were benchmarked against neutron scattering data from a 12 C target obtained with a white neutron beam at the Los Alamos LANSCE facility and fourteen 1”x1” C 7 LYC detectors. Incident neutron energies extracted from time-of-flight measurements, and appropriate recoil corrections for the different detector angles were used to map the response of C 7 LYC to mono-energetic neutrons. Resonances in the 35 Cl(n,p) reaction cross-section below 3 MeV incident neutron energy were directly observed in C 7 LYC. The experimental data and simulations are compared with ENDF databases, as well as recent direct cross-section measurements of neutrons scattered from a 35 Cl target. In conclusion, the results suggest a scrutiny of the 35 Cl(n,p) and 35 Cl(n, α) cross sections at low energy in the ENDF library.
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
A TOPAS model for lens-based proton radiography
Abstract Objective. Proton Radiography can be used in conjunction with proton therapy for patient positioning, real-time estimates of stopping power, and adaptive therapy in regions with motion. The modeling capability shown here can be used to evaluate lens-based radiography as an instantaneous proton-based radiographic technique. The utilization of user-friendly Monte Carlo program TOPAS enables collaborators and other users to easily conduct medical- and therapy- based simulations of the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE). The resulting transport model is an open-source Monte Carlo package for simulations of proton and heavy ion therapy treatments and concurrent particle imaging. Approach. The four-quadrupole, magnetic lens system of the 800-MeV proton beamline at LANSCE is modeled in TOPAS. Several imaging and contrast objects were modelled to assess transmission at energies from 230–930 MeV and different levels of particle collimation. At different proton energies, the strength of the magnetic field was scaled according to βγ, the inverse product of particle relativistic velocity and particle momentum. Main results. Materials with high atomic number, Z, (gold, gallium, bone-equivalent) generated more contrast than materials with low-Z (water, lung-equivalent, adipose-equivalent). A 5-mrad collimator was beneficial for tissue-to-contrast agent contrast, while a 10-mrad collimator was best to distinguish between different high-Z materials. Assessment with a step-wedge phantom showed water-equivalent path length did not scale directly according to predicted values but could be mapped more accurately with calibration. Poor image quality was observed at low energies (230 MeV), but improved as proton energy increased, with sub-mm resolution at 630 MeV. Significance. Proton radiography becomes viable for shallow bone structures at 330 MeV, and for deeper structures at 630 MeV. Visibility improves with use of high-Z contrast agents. This modality may be particularly viable at carbon therapy centers with accelerators capable of delivering high energy protons and could be performed with carbon therapy.
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
Modelling Beam Loss Within the LANSCE Proton Storage Ring
Several upgrades are being considered for the proton storage ring (PSR) at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) to reduce beam loss and thereby reduce the cooldown period of the PSR following a beam run. First, we have considered an increased beam pipe diameter would reduce beam loss due to beam scraping caused by misalignments and tuning errors. However, this would require increased pole-to-pole gap height within the dipoles and quadrupoles, which would change their effective length and alter their fringe fields. The effect of different magnet gaps on the beam optical parameters and on beam loss was studied using the simulation codes MAD-X and PyORBIT. Second, we are developing a detailed particle tracking model within the framework of the simulation package General Particle Tracer (GPT) for the PSR H - stripping system. This model will be used to study the effect of the stripper foil parameters (position, composition, areal density, depth, etc.) on first-turn losses, where most of the observed beam loss and emittance growth occurs due to foil scattering, foil stripping, and Lorentz stripping. The model implements C++ custom elements created to model foil scattering, foil stripping, and Lorentz stripping, as these are not built-in features of GPT. The preliminary results of the MAD-X and PyORBIT simulations, as well as the GPT simulation model, is described in this tech note.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
LAMP Technical Readiness Evaluation Report: LAMP-ENG-RPT-003 (Revision 2)
An internal preliminary evaluation of Critical Technology Elements (CTEs) for the LANSCE Modernization Project (LAMP) was completed in 2023. This included determining corresponding Technical Readiness Levels (TRLs) for all subsystems using the criteria of DOE G 413.3-4A, Technical Readiness Assessment Guide. This revised report includes a summary of the recent design modifications required to meet the project Key Performance Requirements (KPPs), some of which may reduce technical risks to the project. These recent design modifications are based on the LAMP Conceptual Design which is the design evaluated in this document and include: • Further optimization of the low-energy and medium-energy beam transport regions (LEBT and MEBT, respectively), including relocation of various functional elements (i.e. choppers, kickers, and bunchers). • An additional 100-keV H - ion source to separate ion-source function based on beam delivery requirements. • A high-repetition-rate pulsed kicker magnet to select/merge the two H - ion beams into a common low-energy beam transport. • Modification and further optimization to a more conventional 3-MeV Radio Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ) design. Performance of the RFQ has been optimized to deliver the required three types of beams while meeting the project Key Performance Parameters (KPPs). • The addition of a second chopper in the medium-energy beam transport (MEBT) line to reduce the required pulser voltages.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
LAMP Technical Readiness Evaluation Report (Rev. 1)
An internal preliminary evaluation of Critical Technology Elements (CTEs) for the LANSCE Modernization Project (LAMP) was completed. Corresponding Technical Readiness Levels (TRLs) were also determined for all subsystems using the criteria of DOE G 413.3-4A, Technical Readiness Assessment Guide. The scope of the evaluation was limited to the project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements as defined for the RFQ Injector and Drift Tube Linac (DTL) systems only. Integration of Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) and Safety Systems was not considered, although specific technologies as related to the RFQ and DTL systems were included. Other elements of the project such as Shielding, System Design, Technical Management, and additional facility integration needed to enable off-line testing and pre-installation commissioning were also not evaluated. Each technical subsystem element was evaluated for technical readiness, however, not all were found to meet the criteria for a CTE. Only two subsystem elements were determined to meet the CTE criteria. Their associated TRLs are summarized in the table below. These subsystem elements of the project have the lowest technical readiness due to either being new, novel or modified, requiring additional R&D before being capable of meeting the project Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and subsystem requirements, or present technology exists but has not yet been demonstrated in a relevant environment. All other subsystems were determined to have a TRL of 8, indicating that actual operating systems exist having similar performance requirements as needed for LAMP. Details of the technical readiness evaluation for each subsystem is given in the following sections of this report.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
PARADIGM Differential and Integral Experiments Aiming to Reduce 239 Pu Nuclear Data Uncertainties from 1-600 keV [Slides]
How do we accelerate scientific progress in the Nuclear Data (ND) field? By selecting via Machine Learning (ML) an optimum combination of differential and integral experiments to reduce ND uncertainties.
LANSCE↗
LAMP Technical Readiness Evaluation Report
An internal preliminary evaluation of Critical Technology Elements (CTEs) for the LANSCE Modernization Project (LAMP) was completed in 2023. This included determining corresponding Technical Readiness Levels (TRLs) for all subsystems using the criteria of DOE G 413.3-4A, Technical Readiness Assessment Guide. This revised report includes a summary of the recent design modifications required to meet the project Key Performance Requirements (KPPs), some of which may reduce technical risk to the project. These recent design modifications include: • Further optimization of the low-energy and medium-energy beam transport regions (LEBT and MEBT, respectively), including relocation of various functional elements (ie choppers, kickers, and bunchers). • An additional H - ion source to separate ion-source function based on beam delivery requirements. • A high-repetition-rate pulsed kicker magnet to select/merge the two H ion beams into a common low-energy beam transport. • Modification and further optimization to a more conventional RFQ design. Performance of the RFQ has been optimized to deliver the required three types of beams while meeting the project KPPs. • The addition of a second chopper in the medium-energy beam transport (MEBT) line to reduce the required pulser voltages. The scope of the evaluation was limited to the project Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements as defined for the RFQ Injector and Drift Tube Linac (DTL) systems only. Integration of Instrumentation and Controls (I&C) and Safety Systems was not considered, although specific technologies as related to the RFQ and DTL systems were included. Other elements of the project such as Shielding, System Design, Technical Management, and additional facility integration needed to enable off-line testing and pre-installation commissioning were also not evaluated. Each technical subsystem element was evaluated for technical readiness, however, not all were found to meet the criteria for a CTE. Three subsystem elements were determined to meet the CTE criteria. Their associated TRLs are summarized in the table below. These subsystem elements of the project have the lowest technical readiness due to either being new, novel or modified, requiring additional R&D before being capable of meeting the project Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and subsystem requirements, or present technology exists but has not yet been demonstrated in a relevant environment. All other subsystems were determined to have a TRL of 8, indicating that actual operating systems exist having similar performance requirements as needed for LAMP. Details of the technical readiness evaluation for each subsystem is given in the following sections of this report.
43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
A profile monitor for proton radiography experiments at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center
The Proton Radiography (pRad) facility at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center utilizes pulses of protons delivered by the 800 MeV linear accelerator to produce a series of radiographic images to study the dynamic behavior of materials under extreme conditions. Radiographs taken with an empty field of view, or beam pictures, are used to normalize transmission. However, because the center of the proton beam shifts between pulses, an in situ method for measuring beam position is required to normalize images for beam movement to perform absolute radiography. The beam profile monitor described here uses an array of scintillating fibers positioned in the beam path to produce light proportional to beam intensity across the beam cross section. This light is detected using fast photodiodes and a digital oscilloscope, providing a response time of several nanoseconds—suitable for measuring the 50-ns proton pulses used in pRad. The profile monitor achieves a measured position precision of 40 μm and an intensity precision of 0.7%, allowing for beam movement corrections to be applied to images, thereby improving data accuracy and image quality.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗