Speaker
Description
MONNET is a fast neutron source based on a tandem-accelerator, located at the Geel (BE) site of the Joint Research Centre (JRC). It became operational in 2020. MONNET may deliver intense neutron beams in the energy range from $30~\text{keV}$ to $10.1~\text{MeV}$ and from $12.8~\text{MeV}$ to $24~\text{MeV}$. Neutrons are produced with protons or deuterons on lithium, tritium or deuterium targets. MONNET delivers a neutron flux of up to $10^9~\text{n/sr/s}$, depending on the producing reaction and the neutron energy. Neutron beams are essentially mono-energetic ($\Delta E_n/E_n < 6%$ with $E_n > 300~\text{keV}$). The accelerator may also be used with proton, deuteron and alpha beams. The production of photon beams is possible and presently under investigation.
The MONNET neutron source is a user facility within the JRC EUFRAT Open Access program. Proposal evaluation by an independent panel is taking place twice per year.
The research program ranges from cross section measurements, e.g. $(n, f)$, $(n, p)$, $(n, \gamma)$ as well as $(p, p')$, $(p, n)$ and $(p, \gamma)$, nuclear fission studies, material studies (e.g. radiation-induced damage), to the investigation of advanced methods in nuclear technologies, safety and security. The activities may have exploratory character for the development of new scientific concepts or testing of new equipment.
We will give a detailed overview of the MONNET infrastructure, the possibilities offered to scientists and will report about first experiment campaigns.