14 MeV Neutrons: Physics and Applications

14 MeV neutrons offer unique insights into nucleus and materials due to their absence of charge. This book explores their applications in physics, medicine, environment, and security, covering sources, nuclear reactions, detection methods, and industrial uses. It highlights the effectiveness of 14 MeV neutrons in inspecting large volumes in complex environments and their potential in combating illicit trafficking and terrorism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 516 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite the often challenging and time-consuming effort of conducting experiments with fast (14 MeV) neutrons, these neutrons can offer unique insight into nuclei and other materials due to their lack of charge. 14 MeV Neutrons: Physics and Applications delves into fast neutrons in basic science and their applications to problems in medicine, the environment, and security. Drawing on his more than 50 years of experience working with 14 MeV neutrons, the author focuses on various aspects, including:

Sources of 14 MeV neutrons: This section explores the various sources of fast neutrons, including laboratory-size accelerators, small and sealed tube generators, well logging sealed tube accelerators, neutron generators with detection of associated alpha particles, plasma devices, high flux sources, and laser-generated neutron sources.

Nuclear reactions with 14 MeV neutrons: The author delves into the study of nuclear reactions with 14 MeV neutrons, encompassing measurements of energy spectra, angular distributions, and deductions of reaction mechanisms. It also discusses nuclear reactions with three particles in the final state induced by neutrons, the identification of effects of final state interaction, quasi-free scattering, and charge-dependence of nuclear forces.

Charged particle and neutron detection methods: This section covers charged particle and neutron detection methods, particularly position-sensitive detectors. It discusses the techniques used to detect and measure these particles and their applications in various fields.

Industrial applications of nuclear analytical methods: The book explores the industrial applications of nuclear analytical methods, particularly in the metallurgy and coal industries. It discusses the use of nuclear techniques for material characterization, process optimization, and quality assurance.

Quality assurance and quality control measures for nuclear analytical methods: The author emphasizes the importance of quality assurance and quality control measures in nuclear analytical methods. It covers the establishment of standards, the validation of analytical procedures, and the monitoring of analytical quality.

Nuclear and atomic physics-based technology for combating illicit trafficking and terrorism: This section discusses the use of nuclear and atomic physics-based technology for combating illicit trafficking and terrorism. It explores the applications of nuclear and radiation detection techniques, isotope tracing, and nuclear forensics to identify and prevent illegal activities.

Medical applications: The book also explores the medical applications of fast neutrons, including radiography, radiotherapy, in vivo neutron activation analysis, boron neutron therapy, collimated neutron beams, and dosimetry. It discusses the benefits and limitations of these applications and their potential impact on healthcare.

This comprehensive book reflects the exciting developments in both fundamental nuclear physics and the application of fast neutrons to many practical problems. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, scientists, engineers, and professionals working in various fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, and security.

Weight: 953g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367783426