Speaker
Description
Accurate nuclear cross-section data are essential for the design, safety assessment, and optimization of innovative nuclear reactor systems. Neutron-capture cross sections of minor actinides (MAs) and long-lived fission products (LLFPs) are particularly important for evaluating transmutation, production rates, and fuel-cycle sustainability in advanced nuclear systems [1-3]. However, precise measurements are challenging due to intense radioactivity and the limited availability of the target nuclides.
To overcome these challenges, the Accurate Neutron-Nucleus Reaction measurement Instrument (ANNRI) was constructed in 2008 through a collaboration among Hokkaido University, Institute of Science Tokyo, and Japan Atomic Energy Agency. ANNRI is installed on Beam Line No. 04 of the Materials and Life Science Experimental Facility at J-PARC, which provides high-intensity pulsed neutrons over a wide energy range. Since its commissioning, a series of measurements have been conducted to obtain neutron-induced cross-sections of MAs and LLFPs using high-intensity pulsed neutrons. Capture and/or total cross sections of $^{244}$Cm, $^{246}$Cm, $^{241}$Am, $^{243}$Am, $^{237}$Np, $^{99}$Tc, $^{107}$Pd, $^{129 }$I, and many stable isotopes were reported [5-9]. These results at ANNRI are expected to play a key role in advancing the development of innovative nuclear systems and sustainable nuclear fuel cycles.
This presentation provides an overview of the ANNRI facility, experimental achievements, and ongoing efforts.
References
[1] M. Salvatores, “A Report by the Working Party on International Evaluation Co-operation of the Nuclear Science Committee”, OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, Vol. 26 (2008). \texttt{https://www.oecd-nea.org/upload/docs/application/pdf/2019-12/volume26.pdf}
[2] T. Sugawara, K. Nishihara, K. Tsujimoto, T. Sasa, H. Oigawa, “Neutron Capture Cross Sections of Minor Actinides Measured at J-PARC”, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology, 47, 521 (2010).
