What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of creating a photo-neutron source at the DAΦNE BTF facility for scientific applications.

March 5, 2026Open Access

Feasibility Study of a Neutron Source at the DAΦNE BTF Facility

Key Points

The study aims to evaluate the feasibility of creating a photo-neutron source at the DAΦNE BTF facility for scientific applications.
Introduction to the physics of neutron photo-production
Montecarlo simulations to model the neutron production process
Comparison of simulation results with semi-empirical correlations
Estimation of neutron flux with a 510 MeV electron beam on a high Z target
The Montecarlo simulations indicate a viable neutron production methodology.
Integrated neutron flux values suggest significant neutron availability for experiments.
Preliminary findings align with established semi-empirical correlations, validating the model.

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in our scientific community to have a neutron source at the INFN for detector calibrations and physics investigations in different domains. In this report we describe the preliminary study that we have done to estimate the feasibility of a photo-neutron source at the Daϕne Beam Test Facility. The physics of the neutron photo-production is introduced and synthetically discussed in the first 2 sections. In the following ones we show the details of the Montecarlo simulations and the comparison of these results with some important semi-empirical correlations. Finally, we reported some values of the integrated neutron flux, that we expected to have, when a 510 MeV electron beam impinges on a suitable target, made of high Z material.

Bookmark

View Full Paper