This paper describes the testing of a positron beam which is primarily
based on copper activation near the core of a nuclear reactor and ext
raction of the positrons through a beam guide tube. An out-of-core tes
t with a Na-22 source and an in-core test with the reactor at reduced
power have been performed. Both tests indicated a high reflectivity of
moderated positrons at the tungsten surfaces of the moderation discs
which enhanced the expected yield. Secondary electrons generated in th
e source materials during the in-core test caused electrical field dis
tortions in the electrode system of the system by charging of the insu
lators. At 100 kW reactor power during one hour, positrons were observ
ed with an intensity of 4.4 x 10(4) e(+) s(-1) of which 90% was due to
positrons created by pair formation and 10% by copper activation.