The neutron beam and the associated physics program of the CERN n_TOF facility

Neutrons of a wide energy range are used for research in basic physics and technological applications. At CERN, the neutron time-of-flight n_TOF facility is operating since 2001 using a high intensity pulsed white neutron beam produced by spallation reactions induced by 20 GeV/c protons impinging on a massive lead target. In these eleven years of operation n_TOF has become a world leading facility in measuring neutron-induced reactions of importance in fields such as basic physics, innovative nuclear energy technologies (Gen-IV and ADS reactors), stellar nucleosynthesis and the s-process, detector testing, etc. Following a brief description of the the n_TOF facility, I will discuss the physics cases that we have studied in the last three years, with emphasis in those that have been pioneering or particularly challenging. Last, I will introduce the future neutron beam line that shall be constructed during the 2013-2014 shutdown LS1.


ATS Seminars
Organisers: H. Burkhardt (BE), S. Sgobba (EN), G. deRijk (TE)