Speaker
Description
The European Laboratory for Particle Physics (CERN) is equipped with a top-class, high-brightness, neutron spallation source dedicated to high-resolution neutron time of flight experiments: the n_TOF Facility.
The Facility has been constructed in 2000 [1] and has evolved significantly over the last 20 years, encompassing the creation of a new vertical experimental area on top of the spallation target [2] and the capability to handle unsealed radioactive samples in the two experimental stations. During CERN’s Long Shutdown 2 (2019-2021), a significant upgrade has been implemented to guarantee reliable operation of n_TOF for the years to come, maximizing the physics reach of the infrastructure.
The contributions will detail the upgrades and the status of the facility, including the construction of a third-generation spallation target [3], the consolidation of the neutron collimation systems, the complete overhaul of the target pit shielding as well as the realization of a new irradiation station (NEAR) for materials very close to the neutron spallation target.
Perspectives for operation and considerations for further upgrades of the facility will be provided as well.
[1] C. Borcea et al., Results from the commissioning of the n_TOF spallation neutron source at CERN, Nucl. Instr. Meth. A 513 (3), 524-537 (2003)
[2] M. Sabaté-Gilarte et al., High-accuracy determination of the neutron flux in the new experimental area n_TOF-EAR2 at CERN, Eur. Phys. J A 53, 210 (2017)
[3] R. Esposito et al., Design of the third-generation lead-based neutron spallation target for the neutron time-of-flight facility at CERN, Phys. Rev. Accel. Beams 24, 093001 (2021)