MNR is on open-pool design research reactor with several sites of various neutron flux characteristics available for in-core neutron irradiations. There are also six radial beam ports that provide neutron beams for neutron scattering, activation analysis, radiography, and positron beam generation.
The reactor core (pictured below) is capable of irradiating targets in various positions, including in-core using the various graphite, beryllium or lead-shielded sites. Four pneumatic rabbit lines are located behind lead shielding adjacent to the core for various neutron activation analyses.
Expandable List
- Seven graphite-reflected irradiation sites are available. These sites have well-thermalized fluxes ranging from 1.0–2 x1013 n/cm2•s
- One beryllium-reflected irradiation site is available. It has a harder neutron spectrum, with a thermal neutron flux of 2.5×1013 n/cm2•s
- Irradiation times can range from hours to weeks.
- Cadmium and lead foil wrapping is available.
- Samples must be double encapsulated and fit within MNR’s aluminum irradiation capsules (internal dimensions = 7.5 cm h x 1.8 cm d)
- Two “RIFLS” irradiation facilities are available for samples up to 75.0 x 6.0 cm in size. These sites have a thermal neutron flux of 6 to 9 x 1012 n/cm2•s
- These irradiations can be done with or without addition of a cadmium liner for fast neutron irradiations.
- One additional irradiation site exists for oversize samples (up to 75.0 x 12.5 cm) with a thermal neutron flux of 5 x 1012 n/cm2•s
- Irradiation times can range from hours to weeks.
- An automated, air-driven pneumatic system is available for short “Rabbit” irradiations with rapid sample return. These sites have a well-thermalized neutron flux of 5 x 1012 n/cm2•s
- One Rabbit site is unlined, while the other has a 1 mm cadmium lining that surrounds the sample.
- Samples must be encapsulated in purpose-designed polyethylene tubes (5.0 x 1.8 cm).
- Irradiation times range from 10 s to 1 h.