Development of the Compact Accelerator-based Neutron Analytical Facility AISTANS

Abstract

We have developed a compact accelerator-driven neutron analysis facility, AISTANS, optimized for neutron Bragg-edge imaging. This facility consists of an electron linear accelerator, a neutron source, and two beamlines. The parameters of the electron beam, such as energy, pulse width, and repetition rate, have been optimized. A decoupled solid-methane moderator provides a short-pulsed neutron beam, which is ideal for Bragg-edge imaging. Super-mirror neutron guide tubes installed in the first beamline enhance the neutron beam flux by 6 times at a neutron wavelength of approximately 0.4 nm compared to operation without the guides. Since the construction of AISTANS, various samples, including automobile parts, joined metals, and steels, have been measured. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries and concrete samples have been examined since 2023.