Journal of large-scale research facilities, 1, A19 (2015) http://dx.doi.org/10.17815/jlsrf-1-45 Published: 19.08.2015 NECTAR: Radiography and tomography sta- tion using �ssion neutrons Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum Technische Universität München Instrument Scientists: - Thomas Bücherl, ZTWB Radiochemie München RCM, Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany, phone: +49(0) 89 289 14328, email: thomas.buecherl@tum.de - Stefan Söllradl, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany, phone: +49(0) 89 289 14768, email: stefan.soellradl@frm2.tum.de Abstract: NECTAR, operated by the Technische Universität München, is a versatile facility for the non-destructive inspection of various objects by means of �ssion neutron radiography and tomography, respectively. 1 Introduction The images (radiographs, 2- and 3-D-tomographs etc.) obtained from probing objects by means of �s- sion neutrons often show complementary or additional information compared to the investigation with X-rays, γ -radiation or even cold or thermal neutrons. Especially for large objects consisting of dense materials, the deep penetration of �ssion neutrons is well suited for their non-destructive investigation, still beeing sensitive for the detection of hydrogen containing materials. The instrument NECTAR is controlled using the NICOS (see also Networked Integrated Control System (2002)). It is a python based control environment, allowing a simple use for non-experienced users and the development of individual scripts for more advanced users. The acquired radiographs are available in di�erent image formats (e.g. �ts and tif ) and can be processed by most common image processing tools. On demand, reconstruction and visualization software is available on-site for data analysis. The NECTAR facility shares the available beam time with the MEDAPP facility (Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, 2015) as both are using the same beam tube SR10. 1 http://jlsrf.org/ http://dx.doi.org/10.17815/jlsrf-1-45 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Journal of large-scale research facilities, 1, A19 (2015) http://dx.doi.org/10.17815/jlsrf-1-45 Figure 1: Instrument NECTAR: The �ssion neutrons are coming from the right, penetrating the sample �xed on the manipulator, and are detected by a CCD-based system (center). A beamstop (left) minimizes scattered radiation. (Copyright by W. Schürmann, TUM). 2 Typical Applications • Cultural Heritage Restauration and conservation of objects Inner structure of large archaeological objects • Technology Hydrogen storage Degradation of glue in timber Water or oil in large metallic objects (e.g. gearboxes) • Biology Water uptake in large wooden samples 3 Technical Data 3.1 Neutron source • Converter facility at FRM II: Consisting of 2 plates of uranium-silicide (93 % 235U, total 540 g) P = 80 kW 3.2 Neutron spectrum • Fission spectrum: Mean energy: 1.8 MeV Neutron �ux: up to 8.7 · 105 cm-2 s-1 – 4.7 · 107 cm-2 s-1 (depending on �lter used) • Thermal spectrum of the D2O moderator: Mean energy: 28 meV Neutron �ux: up to 1 · 107 cm-2 s-1 2 http://dx.doi.org/10.17815/jlsrf-1-45 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ http://dx.doi.org/10.17815/jlsrf-1-45 Journal of large-scale research facilities, 1, A19 (2015) Figure 2: Schematic drawing of NECTAR and MEDAPP (Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum, 2015). 3.3 Collimation • L/D: ≤ 233 +/− 16 (depending on collimator) 3.4 Sample space • Max. 80 cm x 80 cm x 80 cm (W x H x T), maximum thickness also depends on material • Max. 500 kg • Any standard sample environment available MLZ and custom environments required for speci�c user experiments can be easily attached (e.g. hydrogen supply) 3.5 Detection systems • CCD-based (ANDOR DV434-BV, Andor iKon-M-BV, pco. 1600) detection systems with di�erent converters, e.g. PP-converter with 30 % ZnS and 30 cm x 30 cm x 0.24 cm (W x H x T) available References Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum. (2015). MEDAPP: �ssion neutron beam for science, medicine, and industry. Journal of large-scale research facilities, 1, A18. http://dx.doi.org/10.17815/jlsrf-1-43 Networked Integrated Control System. (2002). NICOS - Networked Integrated COntrol System. Retrieved 11.08.2015, from http://nicos-controls.org/ 3 http://dx.doi.org/10.17815/jlsrf-1-45 http://dx.doi.org/10.17815/jlsrf-1-43 http://nicos-controls.org/ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Introduction Typical Applications Technical Data Neutron source Neutron spectrum Collimation Sample space Detection systems