Conversion target optimisation in electron linac-based neutron source

Monte Carlo calculations were performed to optimise the neutron flux from a spherical tungsten conversion target for a 30 MeV electron accelerator, assuming an average beam current of 120 μA, which requires the conversion target to absorb approximately 4.2 kW of power. The results demonstrate that the backward direction is optimal for neutron production, yielding a neutron flux of 2.4286(3)·10 8 n/cm 2 /s at a distance of 60 cm from the centre of the conversion target, measured at an angle of 145° for a spherical conversion target with a diameter of 10 cm.