Unit 9 : Equations & Terms

The neutron physics unit contains no new equations or constants, calculations are based primarily on reaction physics and \(Q\) value calculations from previous units. You should however make sure you are familiar with the following definitions below in the context of neutron physics.

• Neutron decay lifetime

• Ultracold neutrons, cold neutrons, thermal neutrons, epithermal neutrons, fast neutrons

• Different types of radioactive neutron sources

• AmBe neutron sources

• Spontaneous neutron sources

• Photoneutron sources

• Spallation neutron sources and their stages

• Neutron generators

• Reactor neutron energies and operation

• Moderation, and requirements for a good moderator

• Neutron detection principles

• How gas proportional counters work and fill gasses.

• How neutron scintillators work

• How solid state neutron detectors work

• Principles of neutron activation analysis