The INTER project aims at the design and production of a proof of concept demonstrator component essential for the development of a novel, tunable and portable neutron source.
Hadron (ion, neutron) beams are essential in many sectors of great scientific, technological and societal interest. Neutron beam-based analysis and imaging methods are a powerful tool for non-destructive testing (NDT) of materials and find numerous important applications in industry, security, and material science and technology. Based on available literature review, the global market of industrial accelerator-based neutron generators can be estimated in 1500 units, with about 100 sold units/year.
Production of neutrons with conventional schemes, like nuclear reactors, spallation sources and conventional ion accelerators, is both technologically very demanding and dramatically expensive (up to hundreds of M€). In addition, there cannot be room for source portability. On the other hand, currently available portable neutron sources (typically based on radioisotopes or small D-T systems) are invariably affected by several limitations: non-tunable energy, radioprotection issues and short lifetime.
Use of laser-driven ion accelerators to generate neutrons can potentially overcome all the limitations of conventional neutrons sources. Within the ERC-CoG ENSURE project, a nanostructured material was developed to produce a novel multi-layer target concept allowing to enhance the laser-ion production efficiency with reduced laser requirements and, at the same time, robust enough to be adopted in a commercial targetry device, paving the way for operation with relatively low-energy, commercial, high rep-rate laser systems (0.1-1 J; 1-10TW; 10-100 Hz).
In INTER ERC-PoC project, an accelerator module demonstrator was provided based on such novel target concept, for the generation of an innovative, portable neutron source. The activity relied on the adaptation of the target concept developed in the ERC-CoG ENSURE project (n° 647554) to incorporate it into a compact and affordable industrial prototype, in collaboration with the SourceLAB S.A.S. company, which has been identified as an ideal industrial partner.
During the development of the INTER project the prototype demonstrator, starting from a conceptual stage (TRL 1) reached a Technological Readiness Level of 3 (Proof-of-Concept Demonstrated, Experimentally). A suitable target holder system, able to guarantee satisfactory protection of the nanostructured material and high rep-rate operation was designed and produced.
In addition, the design of laser driven - ion/neutron generation experiment has been set. The aim is to reach TRL4 (Component Laboratory Validated). SourceLAB has recently installed a new TW class laser that is ideal to test our component.
Thus, the goals of the project have been completely fulfilled and a fruitful collaboration with Industry has begun.
