Neutron Energy Spectra
TRIUMF offers three different locations for testing with neutrons. The neutron spectra of the TRIUMF neutron beams are similar to the JEDEC atmospheric neutron reference spectrum, as can be seen in the image below.
Beam characteristics
The beam specifications for each location are given in the table below. The neutron flux is monitored with BF3 counters and dosimetry for calibrations is regularly performed using activation foils of nickel, aluminum, carbon, and gold.
| TNF neutrons | BL1B neutrons | BL2C neutrons (no longer in use) |
Energy | Thermal to 400 MeV | 1/E spectrum to 480 MeV | 1/E spectrum to 120 MeV |
Flux (neutrons/cm²/s) | 2x10⁶ to 3x10⁶ above 10 MeV 5x10⁵ thermal energies | 10³ to 5x10⁵ above 10 MeV | 10³ to 5x10⁴ above 10 MeV |
Spot Size | 5x12 cm | 4 to 60 cm diameter | 30 to 150 cm diameter |
Spot Homogeneity | +/- 10% | +/- 10% | +/- 10% |
Beam Counting and Monitoring System | BF₃ Counter and Activation Foils | BF₃ Counter and Activation Foils | BF₃ Counter and Activation Foils |
Device-Positioning System | Movable Trolley with positive stop | Remote-controlled X-Y platform with laser alignment | Remote-controlled X-Y platform with laser alignment |
Access Conditions | 6 m cable length to Control Area | 20 m cable length to Control Area | 20 m cable length to Control Area |
TNF Mounting plate
At TNF, DUTs are mounted onto a movable trolley. A schematic drawing of the mounting plate is shown here.
Note that all dimensions on the drawing are in inches.