A Deuteron Energy Loss Evaluation in a Solid Ti-T Target Used for the T(d,n)⁴He Reaction

A simple method for the measurement of the loss of deuteron energy in a solid Ti-T target of a neutron generator is described. The method is based on a comparison of the results of measurements of the full-width at half-maximum of the peak in the spectrum of a collimated T(d,n)⁴He neutron beam directed at nominal angles of O and 95 deg to the neutron generator axis. The average deuteron energy loss in the solid Ti-T target is estimated to be (58.5 ± 4.0) keV at 150-kV nominal accelerating voltage of the neutron generator. The neutron spectrum measurements were carried out by a 2- × 2-in. NE-213 liquid scintillator. The proton recoil spectra created in the liquid scintillator were unfolded into the neutron energy spectra with the FORIST unfolding code.