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Gomez-Cadenas, J. J., Benlloch-Rodriguez, J. M., Ferrario, P., Monrabal, F., Rodriguez, J., & Toledo, J. F. (2016). Investigation of the coincidence resolving time performance of a PET scanner based on liquid xenon: a Monte Carlo study. J. Instrum., 11, P09011–18pp.
Abstract: The measurement of the time of flight of the two 511 keV gammas recorded in coincidence in a PET scanner provides an effective way of reducing the random background and therefore increases the scanner sensitivity, provided that the coincidence resolving time (CRT) of the gammas is sufficiently good. The best commercial PET-TOF system today (based in LYSO crystals and digital SiPMs), is the VEREOS of Philips, boasting a CRT of 316 ps (FWHM). In this paper we present a Monte Carlo investigation of the CRT performance of a PET scanner exploiting the scintillating properties of liquid xenon. We find that an excellent CRT of 70 ps (depending on the PDE of the sensor) can be obtained if the scanner is instrumented with silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) sensitive to the ultraviolet light emitted by xenon. Alternatively, a CRT of 160 ps can be obtained instrumenting the scanner with (much cheaper) blue-sensitive SiPMs coated with a suitable wavelength shifter. These results show the excellent time of flight capabilities of a PET device based in liquid xenon.
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Olleros, P., Caballero, L., Domingo-Pardo, C., Babiano, V., Ladarescu, I., Calvo, D., et al. (2018). On the performance of large monolithic LaCl3(Ce) crystals coupled to pixelated silicon photosensors. J. Instrum., 13, P03014–17pp.
Abstract: We investigate the performance of large area radiation detectors, with high energy-and spatial-resolution, intended for the development of a Total Energy Detector with gamma-ray imaging capability, so-called i-TED. This new development aims for an enhancement in detection sensitivity in time-of-flight neutron capture measurements, versus the commonly used C6D6 liquid scintillation total-energy detectors. In this work, we study in detail the impact of the readout photosensor on the energy response of large area (50 x 50 mm(2)) monolithic LaCl3(Ce) crystals, in particular when replacing a conventional mono-cathode photomultiplier tube by an 8 x 8 pixelated silicon photomultiplier. Using the largest commercially available monolithic SiPM array (25 cm(2)), with a pixel size of 6 x 6 mm(2), we have measured an average energy resolution of 3.92% FWHM at 662 keV for crystal thick-nesses of 10, 20 and 30 mm. The results are confronted with detailed Monte Carlo (MC) calculations, where optical processes and properties have been included for the reliable tracking of the scintillation photons. After the experimental validation of the MC model, we use our MC code to explore the impact of a smaller photosensor segmentation on the energy resolution. Our optical MC simulations predict only a marginal deterioration of the spectroscopic performance for pixels of 3 x 3 mm(2).
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n_TOF Collaboration(Guerrero, C. et al), Domingo-Pardo, C., & Tain, J. L. (2011). Study of Photon Strength Function of Actinides: the Case of (235)U, (238)Np and (241)Pu. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1510–1513.
Abstract: The decay from excited levels in medium and heavy nuclei can be described in a statistical approach by means of Photon Strength Functions and Level Density distributions. The study of electromagnetic cascades following neutron capture based on the use of high efficiency detectors has been shown to be well suited for probing the properties of the Photon Strength Function of heavy (high level density) and/or radioactive (high background) nuclei. In this work we have investigated for the first time the validity of the recommended PSF of actinides, in particular (235)U, (238)Np and (241)Pu. Our study includes the search for resonance structures in the PSF below S(n) and draws conclusions regarding their existence and their characteristics in terms of energy, width and electromagnetic nature.
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n_TOF Collaboration(Chiaveri, E. et al), Giubrone, G., & Tain, J. L. (2011). Past, Present and Future of the n_TOF Facility at CERN. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1620–1623.
Abstract: The nTOF spallation neutron facility is operating at CERN since 2001. Neutrons are produced with a very wide energy range, from thermal up to 1 GeV and with a very high instantaneous flux (10(5)n/cm(2)/pulse at 200 m from target) thanks to the high intensity (7 x 10(12) protons/pulse) and low repetition rate of the Proton Synchrotron (PS) which is delivering protons to a lead spallation target. The experimental area is located at 200 m from the target, resulting in a very good energy resolution and beam quality thanks to the adoption of an optimal collimation system. At the end of 2008 the nTOF facility has resumed operation after a halt of 3 years due to technical issues. This contribution will outline the main physics results obtained by the facility since its inception in 1999, and show the importance of the measured nuclear data in the field of Nuclear Astrophysics and Nuclear Technology. Then it will present the future perspectives of the facility, aiming mainly in the direction of measuring highly radioactive samples, for which the facility has unique capabilities, with a lower background.
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n_TOF Collaboration(Guerrero, C. et al), Giubrone, G., & Tain, J. L. (2011). Characterization of the New n_TOF Neutron Beam: Fluence, Profile and Resolution. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1624–1627.
Abstract: After a halt of four years, the nTOF spallation neutron facility at CERN has resumed operation in November 2008 with a new spallation target characterized by an improved safety and engineering design, resulting in a more robust overall performance and efficient cooling. The first measurement during the 2009 run has aimed at the full characterization of the neutron beam. Several detectors, such as calibrated fission chambers, the nTOF Silicon Monitor, a MicroMegas detector with (10)B and (235)U samples, as well as liquid and solid scintillators have been used in order to characterize the properties of the neutron fluence. The spatial profile of the beam has been studied with a specially designed “X-Y” MicroMegas which provided a 2D image of the beam as a function of neutron energy. Both properties have been compared with simulations performed. with the FLUKA code. The characterization of the resolution function is based on results from simulations which have been verified by the study of narrow capture resonances. of (56)Fe, which were measured as part of a new campaign of (n,gamma) measurements on Fe and Ni isotopes.
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n_TOF Collaboration(Cano-Ott, D. et al), Domingo-Pardo, C., & Tain, J. L. (2011). Neutron Capture Measuremetns on Minor Actinides at the n_TOF Facility at CERN: Past, Present and Future. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1809–1812.
Abstract: The successful development of advanced nuclear systems for sustainable energy production and nuclear waste management depends on high quality nuclear data libraries. Recent sensitivity studies and reports [1-3] have identified the need for substantially improving the accuracy of neutron cross-section data for minor actinides. The n_TOF collaboration has initiated an ambitious experimental program for the measurement of neutron capture cross sections of minor actinides. Two experimental setups have been constructed for this purpose: a Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) [4] for measuring neutron capture cross-sections of low-mass and/or radioactive samples and a set of two low neutron sensitivity C(6)D(6) detectors for the less radioactive materials.
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n_TOF Collaboration(Mendoza, E. et al), Giubrone, G., & Tain, J. L. (2011). Improved Neutron Capture Cross Section Measurements with the n_TOF Total Absorption Calorimeter. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1813–1816.
Abstract: The n_TOF collaboration operates a Total Absorption Calorimeter (TAC) [1] for measuring neutron capture cross-sections of low-mass and/or radioactive samples. The results obtained with the TAC have led to a substantial improvement of the capture cross sections of (237)Np and (240)Pu [2]. The experience acquired during the first measurements has allowed us to optimize the performance of the TAC and to improve the capture signal to background ratio, thus opening the way to more complex and demanding measurements on rare radioactive materials. The new design has been reached by a series of detailed Monte Carlo simulations of complete experiments and dedicated test measurements. The new capture setup will be presented and the main achievements highlighted.
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n_TOF Collaboration(Tarrio, D. et al), Domingo-Pardo, C., Plag, R., Plompen, A., & Tain, J. L. (2011). High-energy Neutron-induced Fission Cross Sections of Natural Lead and Bismuth-209. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1904–1907.
Abstract: The CERN Neutron Time-Of-Flight (n_TOF) facility is well suited to measure small neutron-induced fission cross sections, as those of subactinides. The cross section ratios of (nat)Pb and (209)Bi relative to (235)U and (238)U were measured using PPAC detectors. The fragment coincidence method allows to unambiguously identify the fission events. The present experiment provides the first results for neutron-induced fission up to 1 GeV for (nat)Pb and (209)Bi. A good agreement with previous experimental data below 200 MeV is shown. The comparison with proton-induced fission indicates that the limiting regime where neutron-induced and proton-induced fission reach equal cross section is close to 1 GeV.
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n_TOF Collaboration(Paradela, C. et al), Domingo-Pardo, C., Plag, R., Plompen, A., & Tain, J. L. (2011). (237)Np(n,f) Cross Section: New Data and Present Status. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1908–1911.
Abstract: In this document, we present the final result obtained at the nTOF experiment; for the neutron-induced fission cross section of the (237)Np, from the fission threshold up to 1 GeV. The method applied to get tins result is briefly discussed. nTOF data are compared to the last experimental measurements using other TOF facilities or the surrogate method, reported experiments performed with monoenergetic sources and the FISCAL systematic, including a discussion about the existing discrepancies.
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n_TOF Collaboration(Calviani, M. et al), Domingo-Pardo, C., & Tain, J. L. (2011). Fission Cross-section Measurements of (233)U, (245)Cm and (241,243)Am at CERN n_TOF Facility. J. Korean Phys. Soc., 59(2), 1912–1915.
Abstract: Neutron-induced fission cross-sections of minor actinides have been measured using the nTOF white neutron source at CERN. Geneva, as part of a large experimental program aiming at collecting new data relevant for nuclear astrophysics and for the design of advanced reactor systems. The measurements at nTOF take advantage of the innovative features of the n_TOF facility, namely the wide energy range, high instantaneous neutron flux and good energy resolution. Final results on the fission cross-section of (233)U, (245)cm and (243)Am from thermal to 20 MeV are here reported, together with preliminary results for (241)Am. The measurement have been performed with a dedicated Fast Ionization Chamber (FIC), a fission fragment detector with a very high efficiency, relative to the very well known cross-section of (235)U, measured simultaneously with the same detector.
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