NESSA - NEutron Source in uppSAla

Project title: NESSA – NEutron Source in uppSAla
Main applicant: Stephan Pomp, Division of Applied Nuclear Physics
Co-applicants: Erik Andersson Sundén, Division of Applied Nuclear Physics
Grant amount: SEK 3 750 000 for the period 2024-2026

We want to build a highly accessible neutron facility at the Ångström Laboratory in Uppsala. Presently, there are no corresponding facilities in the Nordic countries. However, neutron facilities are relevant for many important research fields in nuclear safety and technology. Examples are detector tests and development for nuclear applications, radiation shielding studies for development and verification of simulation tools for neutron transports, and irradiation of material and electronics.

With this project, we want to hire a postdoc to finalize the NESSA facility. The work of the postdoc will consist of characterisation and test operations, which will result in 14-MeV neutron irradiation positions in a close user position (with neutron fluxes up to 1⋅109 cm-2 s-1) and in the form of a collimated neutron beam. As a further step, thermal and epithermal neutron irradiation positions will be developed.

The NESSA bunker is already built at the FREIA hall of Ångström Laboratory. This includes appropriate shielding, access control systems, and radiation monitoring. A Safety Analysis Report of the facility has already been approved by SSM.

The facility still needs a neutron generator, which will be funded from other funding sources. The generator will use the D-T reaction to produce 14 MeV neutrons. The goal of this project is to hire a researcher to procure and install a neutron generator, characterize the facility and demonstrate its capability, and create an applied neutron research community around the facility.