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Title: Enhanced NIF neutron activation diagnostics

Journal Article · · Review of Scientific Instruments
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4739230· OSTI ID:22093811
; ;  [1]
  1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550 (United States)

The NIF neutron activation diagnostic suite relies on removable activation samples, leading to operational inefficiencies and a fundamental lower limit on the half-life of the activated product that can be observed. A neutron diagnostic system measuring activation of permanently installed samples could remove these limitations and significantly enhance overall neutron diagnostic capabilities. The physics and engineering aspects of two proposed systems are considered: one measuring the {sup 89}Zr/{sup 89m}Zr isomer ratio in the existing Zr activation medium and the other using potassium zirconate as the activation medium. Both proposed systems could improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the current system by at least a factor of 5 and would allow independent measurement of fusion core velocity and fuel areal density.

OSTI ID:
22093811
Journal Information:
Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 83, Issue 10; Other Information: (c) 2012 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English