Interactions of Radiation with Matter: Neutrons

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Flashcards covering key concepts related to the interactions of radiation with matter, particularly focusing on neutrons and their various sources and reactions.

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33 Terms

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Neutron Sources

Neutrons can be generated from various sources including (α,n) reactions, (γ,n) reactions, nuclear fission, and particle accelerators. There are no naturally occuring radioisotopes that decay only emitting neutrons.

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(α,n) Reactions

Reactions where alpha particles interact with target nuclei to produce neutrons. Combining alpha emitting radionuclide (Po-210, Ra-226, Pu-239) with light metal (Be, B). Continuous energy spectrum.

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(γ,n) Reactions

Neutrons produced by gamma interactions with light elements, such as 9Be(γ,n)8Be. Radioisotopes with a single y-ray, monoenergetic neutrons can be produced.

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Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)

A technique for elemental analysis involving the absorption of neutrons, inducing radioactivity in the target.

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Thermal Neutrons

Neutrons with energies around 0.025 eV, indistinguishable from gas molecules in their environment.

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Fast Neutrons

Neutrons with kinetic energies greater than 0.1 MeV, capable of penetrating nuclei.

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Elastic Scattering

An interaction where the neutron bounces off a nucleus without losing energy, typically observed with low-Z nuclei.

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Inelastic Scattering

Occurs when a neutron strikes a high-Z nucleus, transferring energy and causing the nucleus to emit gamma radiation.

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Neutron Diffusion Length

The average distance traveled by neutrons before being absorbed, includes fast-diffusion and thermal diffusion lengths.

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Charge Particle Emission

Reactions involving slow neutrons that results in the emission of charged particles like protons or alpha particles.

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Neutrons from Accelerators

Neutrons generated through nuclear reactions facilitated by particle accelerators, such as the D-T reaction producing 14 MeV neutrons.

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Neutron Absorption Cross-Section

A measure of the probability of neutron absorption by a nucleus, energy-dependent and described by 1/v law.

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Neutron Capture

A process where neutrons are absorbed by a nucleus, leading to various reactions such as (n,γ) and (n,p).

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Spontaneous Fission

Neutron emission from heavy nuclei as part of their decay process, often occurring for isotopes like 252Cf.

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Neutron Emission Rate

The number of neutrons emitted per unit time from a source, critical for understanding neutron generators.

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Energy Distribution of Neutrons

Refers to the variation in neutron energies produced in reactions, typically characterized by an average and most probable energy.

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Neutron Reactions Important to Health Physicists

Key neutron interactions that affect biological tissues, contributing to radiation doses in various medical and health physics applications.

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Deuterium-Deuterium Fusion

Produces a 2 Mev neutron

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Deuterium-Tritium Fusion

Produces a 14 MeV neutron.

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Classification of neutrons

Classified according to their energy

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Thermal

Around 0.025 eV

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Epithermal, resonance, slow

Between 0.01 MeV and 0.1 MeV

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Fast

Greater than 0.1 MeV and less than 20 MeV

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Relativistic

Greater than 20 MeV

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Probable Energy

Emp=KT

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Average Energy

E=3/2KT

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Elastic Scattering

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Inelastic Scattering

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Radiative Capture

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Charged-Particle Reactions

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Neutron-Producing Reactions

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Fission

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Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)

A highly sensitive technique that involves bombarding a sample with neutrons to induce a radioactive state, then measuring the characteristic gamma rays emitted as the induced radioactive isotopes decay.