METHOD OF ESTIMATING TOTAL CROSS-SECTION OF INTERACTION OF MATERIAL WITH THERMAL NEUTRONS Russian patent published in 2024 - IPC G21K1/02 

FIELD: measuring.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a method for estimating the total cross section of interaction of a material with thermal neutrons. In the neutron activation analysis installation, implemented on basis of ²⁵²Cf radionuclide neutron source in the activation zone, an indicator plate is placed in the neutron collimator in the corresponding position, a sample of the analysed material is placed in front of the indicator on the path of the neutron beam. Sample is irradiated with a neutron flux with intensity of 10⁹ s^-1 through ²⁵²Cf fission neutron moderator made of organic glass and providing a maximum thermal neutron flux in the activation zone for 9-12 hours. Measurement of the induced activity of the material and the europium-based indicator plate is carried out for 2-5 hours in γ-spectrometric complex based on a coaxial HPGe detector. Total cross-section of interaction of thermal neutrons with the material is determined from the change in the induced activity of the indicator plate.

EFFECT: possibility of increasing the rate of estimating the total cross section of interaction of materials with thermal neutrons while simplifying the design of the measuring apparatus.

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