Measurement of forward-directed neutrons generated by an inverse kinematic reaction using incident 7Li3+ beam

In this work, we show our current status in the development of an accelerator-based neutron source based on an incident ion-beam of several tens of mA lithium, which realizes the inverse kinematic reaction between lithium-7 and proton: p(7Li,n)7Be. This neutron source is expected to generate forward-directed neutrons. Understanding the neutron distribution and flux is essential for neutron applications. The present study aims to clarify the neutron distribution and flux in the p(7Li,n)7Be case. Generated neutrons were measured to aid in designing the neutron source. Lithium beams from Tandem van de Graaf accelerators at BNL and HZDR were used to irradiate hydrogen-rich targets, such as polypropylene films, to induce the reaction. Liquid scintillators (BC-501) were located around the target to cover different angles, including the forward direction, to investigate neutron angular distribution and fluxes. The results confirmed a significant concentration of measurement signals in the forward direction throughout the experiments. The differentiation between neutrons and gamma rays using a pulse shape discrimination method is underway. Further details will be presented.