European neutron research prepares for future challenges
Neutrons are among the fundamental building blocks of matter. Some of the processes in which they are involved are responsible for energy generation in nuclear power plants. In this context, CERN’s n_TOF and other facilities participating in the ERINDA EU-funded programme help the community integrate all the scientific efforts needed to produce high-quality nuclear data for future nuclear technologies.
The 4π calorimeter inside the n_TOF experimental area. Image courtesy of the n_TOF Collaboration.
Accurate measurements of the interactions between neutrons and each of the elements present in nuclear reactors are vital tools enabling scientists to explore solutions – other than simple protected storage – for the treatment of radioactive waste deriving from a number of applications, ranging from energy production to the medical field. Particularly valuable is the contribution provided by the 13 accelerator-based neutron sources, which the ERINDA EU-funded programme has gathered together since 2011 in order to enhance collaboration among themselves and to facilitate transnational access for users. At the end of October, ERINDA will pass the baton to the CHANDA project, the continuation of the EU-funded projects aimed at producing high-quality nuclear data measurements in support of studies for waste transmutation and the reduction of waste in the next generation of nuclear reactors.
“ERINDA, and in the near future CHANDA, provides a common platform for participating institutes to share facility management for the benefit of the research community and the various stakeholders,” says Enrico Chiaveri, spokesperson of the n_TOF Collaboration, CERN’s flagship in the field of neutron and nuclear physics. “In particular, thanks to the transnational access to all the participating facilities, these programmes allow us to meet requests coming from all scientific and industrial partners. They also allow the community to share capabilities and expertise, and this results in better quality data.”
Accurate measurements of the processes in which neutrons interact with heavy nuclei (such as uranium and minor actinides) are at the root of our understanding of the production, reduction and possible treatment of radioactive waste. “At a recent ERINDA workshop held at CERN, participants presented their latest results on a number of specific reactions with unprecedented accuracy,” says Enrico Chiaveri.
In order to improve further our knowledge of the interactions of neutrons with matter, the community is looking forward to inaugurating CERN’s new facility, n_TOF EAR2. “Once in operation, n_TOF EAR2 will be a state-of-the-art world facility open to the international community,” confirms Enrico Chiaveri. “Construction work is well advanced and we hope to start running next year. The increased neutron flux with respect to currently available neutron beams will allow challenging measurements that will surely contribute to improving our knowledge of a number of basic neutron-induced processes of interest to nuclear technology, astrophysics and nuclear medicine.”
