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Characterization of neutron imaging facility at Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor

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Abstract

Characterization experiments of a new neutron imaging facility at the Radiation Science and Engineering Center (RSEC – NIF) that utilizes the Penn State Breazeale TRIGA reactor were performed to assess the imaging system. It was verified that the RSEC – NIF corresponds to a Category I facility by ASTM designation of quality. Obtained characterization results allow the use of direct and indirect methods of neutron radiography and tomography techniques utilizing conventional films and modern phosphorous plates. This paper describes the details of characterization experiments as well as preliminary results of neutron tomography capabilities of the newly built system.

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Acknowledgements

The development process of the RSEC – NIF is financially supported by the internal funds of the RSEC at Penn State. The authors would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Geuther and other RSEC staff members for all their support. The authors also thank Prof. Heather Preisendanz for sharing valuable information and supporting the research with the insightful comments regarding microplastic pollution of the environment.

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Correspondence to Alibek Kenges.

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Kenges, A., Ünlü, K. & Beck, D.B. Characterization of neutron imaging facility at Penn State Breazeale Nuclear Reactor. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 5277–5285 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08445-4

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