Speaker
Description
Moderators are a key component of neutron sources, slowing neutrons produced in the target to energies suitable for materials science experiments. At large facilities such as the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, once moderators are installed, modifications or troubleshooting become extremely difficult. Developing a dedicated local testing platform would allow moderators and associated systems to be evaluated prior to installation, while also enabling the development of new and innovative designs. Such a facility would support the advancement of complex subsystems, including cryogenics and diagnostics, helping to reduce technical risks, improve efficiency, and foster innovation.
This project proposes the use of the existing small-scale, 3MeV proton accelerator facility, the Front-End Test Stand (FETS) [1], located at RAL, Harwell Campus. A neutron source would be added at the end of FETS to create a Moderator Engineering Test Stand (METS). The proposed METS would include a shielded area containing a lithium layered target, a simplified reflector, and space for moderators, along with a diagnostic neutron beamline primarily designed for moderator imaging and resolution calibration.
The project is currently in the concept phase, where both the scientific performance and engineering feasibility are being investigated, alongside estimated costs and project timescales. This work focuses mainly on the engineering aspects developed so far, including concepts for the target, reflector and moderator (TRaM) system. It also considers key safety and infrastructure requirements such as shielding spatial constraints, and essential equipment including vacuum systems, cryogenics, services and plant. These initial engineering studies provide a foundation for further development, helping to assess the project’s feasibility, expected costs, and the key specifications required for the new facility.
[1] Letchford, A. et al. (2015) STATUS OF THE RAL FRONT END TEST STAND. In 6th Int. Particle Accelerator Conf. (IPAC’15), Richmond, VA, USA, May 3-8, 2015. https://doi.org/10.18429/jacow-ipac2015-thpf105