CDD- Development of a moderator for the production of cold neutrons M/F

CDD / Neutronics offer.

Development of a moderator for the production of cold neutrons on the IPHI-Neutrons facility at CEA Saclay.

CONTEXT

The landscape of French and European neutronics is changing. Several old research reactors have already stopped their operation and other closures are scheduled for the next decade. To overcome these closures, the construction of a new type of neutron source using low-energy, high-current accelerators (HiCANS) is proposed by various institutes across Europe. Among the projects, we can mention SONATE in France [1], HBS in Germany [2] or ARGITU in Spain.

GOALS

We wish to develop a moderator for the production of “cold” neutrons. A cryogenic loop for hydrogen liquefaction was recently built at the Léon Brillouin Laboratory. With the support of other CEA departments (DES/SERMA and DRF/DPhN), Monte-Carlo modeling of neutron transport in the moderator will be carried out to understand the parameters allowing optimization of the geometry of the moderator (coupling with the target neutron production, pre-moderator, reflector). The existing loop will then be optimized to be integrated on the IPHI – Neutrons source at Saclay [3].

The neutron performances will be evaluated and compared with the models. The equipment will ultimately be used to perform neutron scattering experiments. Collaborations with the centers of the ELENA network are envisaged [4]. This platform will make it possible to test new materials and geometries for next-generation cold neutron moderators.

[1] SONATE, an accelerator-driven neutron source

[2] HBS, High Brilliance Neutron Source

[3] Project IPHI – Neutrons

[4] ELENA, European Low Energy accelerator-based Neutron facilities Association

PROFILE & SKILLS

1. Knowledge of physics

2.      Instrumentation

3. Monte-Carlo simulations (desirable, ex. GEANT4)

4. Cryogenics (desirable)

Keywords: neutronics, Monte-Carlo, instrumentation, cryogenics.

The offer concerns a fixed-term contract for a period of 24 months at CEA Saclay.

The level of skill required is that of an engineer – beginner physicist.