Advanced Nuclear Technologies. ANT

Experimental Nuclear Physics, Applications and Instrumentation (ENPAI)

ENPAI concentrates on experimental nuclear physics, with a focus on neutron-related research, encompassing both neutron beam experiments and neutron measurements. They conduct measurements of nuclear reactions and decay processes at national and international laboratories with appropriate beam capabilities. They also perform neutron field characterization at underground laboratories, ground-based locations for cosmic weather studies, and proton therapy facilities. Furthermore, they provide data such as cross-sections, beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities, decay constants, neutron fluxes, and doses, which are used for applications like nuclear reactor design, stellar evolution studies, background characterization, and neutron dosimetry in proton therapy. ENPAI develops tailored neutron detectors (e.g., BELEN), novel neutron dosimeters, and specialized electronics. 

Collaboration and Research Focus

The ENPAI research group was established in 2000 through an international collaboration that contributed to the development of CERN's n_TOF facility. The group is participating in national and international projects like n_TOF-CERN, NUSTAR-FAIR, and MANY. The group played a leading role in the completed BRIKEN project. ENPAI research is conducted through national and international collaborations.

Research Areas

The ENPAI research group contributes to several aspects of nuclear science, focusing on three key research areas:

  1. Basic Nuclear Data Measurements
    • Goal: To acquire data for understanding nuclear reactions, decay processes, and neutron fields.
    • Examples:
      • Neutron capture cross-sections.
      • Half-lives and delayed neutron emission probabilities.
      • Cross-sections of alpha-induced neutron emission reactions.
      • Energy distribution of neutrons of cosmic origin.
      • Energy distribution of neutrons in high-intensity accelerators.
      • Neutron doses in pulsed and intense neutron sources (proton therapy, high-power lasers, particle accelerators, etc.).
  2. Detector Design and Construction
    • Goal: To develop and build detectors tailored to experimental requirements.
    • Examples:
      • Neutron detectors like BELEN, miniBELEN, and BRIKEN for measuring neutrons.
      • HENSA and NESTA, for spectrometric neutron field characterization
      • LINrem-LINdos for neutron dose measurements.
  3. Electronic Instrumentation
    • Goal: To design and refine electronic systems for detector control and data analysis.
    • Examples:
      • Development of specialized preamplifier modules.
      • Design and construction of modular HV power supplies.
      • FPGA programming for data acquisition and processing units.

ENPAI contributes to improve the understanding of basic nuclear processes by measuring:

    • Microscopic Cross-Sections: The probability of nuclear reactions involving neutrons, alpha particles, etc.
    • Decay Constants: The rate of unstable nuclear decay. 
    • Delayed Neutron Emission Probabilities: The probability of neutron emission after beta decay.

It is also very active in measuring neutron fields in research and medical facilities.

This knowledge is used in:

    • Nuclear reactor design.
    • Stellar evolution studies.
    • Medical applications.

To support this, the group develops detectors and electronics.

Current Research Activities

  • Cross-section measurements (neutron and alpha induced nuclear reactions).
  • Pn measurements.
  • Neutron field characterization in various settings, including cosmic rays, underground laboratories, hadron therapy facilities, high-power laser facilities, and high-intensity particle accelerators.
  • Development of spectrometric BELEN-like neutron detectors.
  • Novel neutron dosimeters development.
  • Artificial Intelligence applications in signal processing, data analysis, and detector design.
  • Electronic module development for neutron detectors.
ENPAI contributes to both the fundamental understanding of nuclear physics and the practical applications of nuclear technology. Their work in detector development enhances the ability to conduct high-precision measurements in various nuclear science fields, fostering advancements in research and potential real-world applications.

ENPAI receives funding through national and European competitive research grants.

Contact: Prof. Francisco Calvino

Funding: 2023PROD00081,  PID2022-138297NB-C22, PDC2021-121536-C22, HORIZON 2020 (2014-2020), Next Generation EU: CERN, Tecnol. Exploración del Universo 1 y 2, PID2019-104714GB-C22, 2018-LLAV00039, FPA2017-83946-C2-2-P, FPA2014-52823-C2-2-P, CSN-Cátedra Argos

Keywords
experimental nuclear physics detectors instrumentation electronics neutrons applications nuclear nuclear physics Neutron dosimetry nuclear reactions nuclear decay proton therapy