On neutron generator applications in Brazil: current panorama and perspectives

José Alípio dos Santos Filho; E. S. Fonseca; C. M. Dias; C. Salata; E. S. Santini; Marco Aurélio de Sousa Lacerda

doi:10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2491

Authors

José Alípio dos Santos Filho Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN/CNEN)
E. S. Fonseca Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria (IRD)
C. M. Dias Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN, DF)
C. Salata Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN, RJ)
E. S. Santini Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN, RJ) / Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas (CBPF)
Marco Aurélio de Sousa Lacerda Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN/CNEN)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15392/2319-0612.2024.2491

Keywords:

Neutron generator, neutron activation analysis, prompt gamma neutron activation analysis, neutron sources, neutron source applications

Abstract

Techniques based on neutron beams are used in research, industry and medicine being especially suitable for the characterization of a wide variety of materials. Neutron radiation can be produced using nuclear reactors, isotopic sources, or particle accelerators. Since the number of reactors is in decline and isotopic sources are expensive and difficult to handle, neutron generator (NG) technology has experienced significant development. Neutron generators are safer than nuclear reactors and isotopic sources, and the use of NGs is increasing worldwide, including in Brazil. This article reviews the main applications of neutron radiation, neutron production techniques, and specifically the technologies used in neutron generators. An overview of the utilization of these techniques in Brazil is presented, along with studies on acquisition and start-up costs of neutron-generating equipment and perspectives for future utilization in various areas.

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Author Biography

Marco Aurélio de Sousa Lacerda, Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear (CDTN/CNEN)

Possui graduação em Engenharia Civil pela Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto (UFOP-1999), mestrado em Ciências e Técnicas Nucleares pela Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG-2002) e doutorado em Tecnologias Energéticas e Nucleares pela Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE-2007). Atualmente é Pesquisador Titular do Centro de Desenvolvimento da Tecnologia Nuclear da Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CDTN/CNEN). Desenvolve pesquisas na área de Física Médica e Engenharia Nuclear com ênfase nos seguintes temas: Metrologia das Radiações, Método de Monte Carlo aplicado à Dosimetria das Radiações Ionizantes, Radioproteção.

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