RIKEN Compact Neutron Source Systems RANS Project

Abstract

Introduction Rikagaku Kenkyūjo (RIKEN) is promoting the maintenance and advanced development of compact neutron source measurement systems with the aim of using “neutrons anytime, anywhere.” As of 2022, two RIKEN accelerator-driven compact neutron systems (RANS), RANS and RANS-II, are in constant operation at RIKEN Wako. RANSIII and RANS-μ are currently under development. The development of compact and medium-sized accelerator-based neutron sources is very active around the world nowadays and several research projects are presented on the development and utilization of mediumand smallsized neutron sources without spallation in the International Atomic Energy Agency’s first international conference for accelerators, held in May 2022, “International Conference on Accelerators for Research and Sustainable Development: From Good Practices Towards Socioeconomic Impact” [1]. It represents the predicted spread of compact neutron source development. In such a trend, RIKEN has demonstrated its high potential to the world by proceeding with the advanced development of a compact neutron source system. This article explains the current status and future development of the RANS project. The RANS project has two main goals. One is to develop a compact evaluation and analysis system for industrial use, such as in manufacturing. The other is for the realization of a transportable neutron source system that can be used for nondestructive measurement of infrastructure such as bridges and highways to prevent accidents, as well as for outdoor use to contribute to proactive maintenance to realize longer life. There are various needs for nondestructive measurement. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, it is essential to develop a system that meets various needs onsite by making the best use of its characteristics, such as high penetrability and analysis ability of neutron beams with a measurement accuracy that meets various needs. The following sections briefly describe the accelerator-based RANS, RANS-II, as well as RANS-III, which is under development.