Nuclear-physics applications of MYRRHA

Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK·CEN, Boeretang 200, B-2400 Mol, Belgium

^a e-mail: lpopescu@sckcen.be

Published online: 20 March 2014

Abstract

The Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK·CEN is currently working on the design of the MYRRHA research reactor, able to operate in both critical and sub-critical mode as an Accelerator-Driven System (ADS). When operated as an ADS, the MYRRHA reactor core will be coupled to an external neutron source, which is generated by a 600-MeV, 2- to 4-mA proton beam impinging on a lead-bismuth spallation target. By using a small fraction (up to 5%) of the MYRRHA proton beam, intensities of 100-200 μA can be sent to a separate facility called ISOL@MYRRHA. Given the high proton energy, most isotopes known on the chart of nuclides can be produced. The production in the hot-target is followed by selective ionization and extraction of atoms in a Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB). Following mass-purification, high-intensity RIBs will be delivered for a large variety of experimental programmes requiring long measurement times. By its experimental programme, the ISOL@MYRRHA facility will be complementary to running and planned Isotope Separator On-Line (ISOL) facilities in Europe and abroad.