PNCDI 4 Projects

Sat, 16 May 2026

Project List » ROMANIAN PARTICIPATION TO CERN - n_TOF Collaboration (EN)

ROMANIAN PARTICIPATION TO CERN - n_TOF Collaboration (EN)
www.nipne.ro/proiecte/pn4/21-projects.html

Acronym: n_TOF
Contracting Authority: Institutul de Fizica Atomica (IFA)
Number / Date of the contract: CERN-RO/CDI/2024_004 /
Program: PN IV/5.9.2/ CERN-RO
Project Manager: Alexandru Negret
Partners:
Starting date / finishing date: 2024-11-25 / 2026-12-31
Project value: 1318026 RON

Abstract: The present project represents a natural continuation of the two main research activities pursued over the years by our team at n_TOF: the development of a γ spectroscopy-based experimental setup capable of measuring (n,xnγ) reactions and a new neutron capture experiment proposal. Within this context, a major breakthrough occurred during the previous years: Following multiple hardware and software developments, a successful test proposed through a LoI, led by one of the members of our team, produced in 2024 inelastic data on 24Mg, an absolute premiere for n_TOF. We hereby propose to take advantage of these results and to propose a new experiment dedicated to the inelastic channel on 28Si. This measurement is motivated by the need of knowing precise neutron inelastic cross sections on this target nucleus relevant for numerous applications. For instance, the high-energy component (above 20 MeV neutron energy) of the inelastic channel on 28Si is particularly interesting for space exploration but also for several other applications (like electronics radiation damage). A second contribution of our team is related to the study of neutron capture reactions. Following the measurement of the 241Am(n, γ) reaction in EAR2, we are now proposing a second measurement, also in EAR2. The proposal aims to measure the 124Sn(n, γ) cross section and is motivated by the need to understand various background components for future experiments searching for the neutrinoless double β decay of 124Sn. We will pursue these activities by reaching several objectives: define and build a setup based on LaBr3(Ce) detectors (including possibly also HPGe detectors) capable of measuring inelastic cross sections at n_TOF; then, prepare and perform the measurement of the 28Si(n,' γ) cross section using this setup; additionally, the 124Sn target preparation for the future neutron capture measurement will be supported within the project.
We conclude by underlying that the Romanian contribution to n_TOF through the current project is more significant than ever: we are involved as main actors in several experiments that are currently supported by the collaboration, two of our team members being spokespersons for these proposals. A particularly intense period will come with a few experiments being proposed, prepared and performed, followed, during the next phase (during LS3) by the challenging task of performing detailed and reliable analyses of the acquired data and publishing the results.

Objectives: I. Nuclear instrumentation developments - towards an array of LaBr3(Ce) detectors at n_TOF
Milestone 1.1 (31.12.2024): Preliminary analysis of the 24Mg(n,n') data
Result 1.1 (31.12.2025): A working detection system for inelastic measurements based on simulations and detection system development

II. Experimental activities - target preparation and measurement of the 28Si(n,n') reaction
Milestone 2.1 (01.09.2025): 28Si target prepared for the neutron inelastic scattering experiment
Milestone 2.2 (01.10.2025): 124Sn target prepared for a neutron capture experiment
Milestone 2.3 (30.06.2026): Raw data of the 28Si(n,n') measurement
Result 2.1 (31.12.2026): Preliminary analysis of the 28Si(n,n'γ) data

THE STAGES OF THE PROJECT AND DELIVERY DATES
RESULTS [Project Activity Report]
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
RESEARCH TEAM

Back to the Project List

Versiunea proiectului in limba romana