NEUTRON RADIOGRAPHY USING A TRANSPORTABLE SUPERCONDUCTING CYCLOTRON

A thermal neutron radiography system on a compact 12 MeV superconducti ng proton cyclotron is described. Neutrons are generated using a thick beryllium target and moderated in high density polyethylene. Monte Ca rlo computer simulations have been used to model the neutron and photo n transport in order to optimise the performance of the system. With p roton beam currents in excess of 100 mu A, it can provide high thermal neutron fluxes with L/D ratios of between 50 and 300 for various appl ications. Both film and electronic imaging are used to produce radiogr aphs. The electronic imaging system consists of a Li-6-loaded ZnS inte nsifier screen, and a low light CCD or SIT camera. High resolution ima ges can be recorded and computer-controlled data processing, analysis and display are possible.