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A Fast Neutron Source using a Superconducting Electron Linac for Materials Testing

Award Information
Agency: Department of Energy
Branch: N/A
Contract: DE-SC0011355
Agency Tracking Number: 0000209534
Amount: $225,000.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: 16d
Solicitation Number: DE-FOA-0000969
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2014
Award Year: 2014
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2014-02-18
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2014-11-17
Small Business Information
1012 N. Walnut St.
Lansing, MI 48906-5061
United States
DUNS: 621290001
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Terry Grimm
 Dr.
 (517) 999-3475
 grimm@niowaveinc.com
Business Contact
 Jerry Hollister
Title: Mr.
Phone: (517) 230-7417
Email: hollister@niowaveinc.com
Research Institution
 Stub
Abstract

Next generation reactor concepts cater to a common goal of providing safer, longer lasting and economically viable nuclear power plants. Developing radiation damage resistant materials for both in- core and out-of core applications is a critical component of these next generation power plants. Testing these novel materials requires an intense neutron environment. A commonly used tool for testing novel materials is a high flux fast neutron environment. Evaporation, fission-like spectrum neutrons are currently generated at either a nuclear reactor or a national laboratory scale accelerator such as the proposed Material Test Station at Los Alamos National Lab (a 800 MeV proton beam). However, there are currently no fast-neutron reactors in the United States, and MTS will not be operational before 2015 (at the earliest). These restrictions require researchers to ship samples overseas (e.g.: France). We propose a convenient and low-cost alternative: an intense source of fast fission-spectrum neutrons produced from a superconducting electron linac. The proposed source is based on the photo production of neutrons, including (,n) production and photofission, with a 40 MeV electron beam with power of up to 100 kW. This accelerator energy and power level is within the capabilities of superconducting linacs now being developed by Niowave. In a parallel development independent to this proposal, Niowave is currently building a radioisotope production facility using a 40 MeV, 100 kW superconducting electron linac. Construction will begin in early 2014, and will be completed by the end of 2015. The proposed fast neutron source will be housed at a separate target station. This SBIR would involve the design, optimization and licensing issues of the fast neutron source. Because a majority of the development is already underway with the isotope production facility, our intent is to have the proposed commercial neutron user facility operational by the completion of Phase II. Phase III of this proposal will make the technology to build an entire neutron source facility available as a commercial product.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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