Conceptual Design of a High-Performance Deuterium-Lithium Neutron Source for Fusion Materials and Technology Testing

Advances in high-current linear accelerator technology since the design of the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test facility have increased the attractiveness of a deuterium-lithium neutron source for fusion materials and technology testing. The conceptual design of such a source, which is aimed at meeting the near-term requirements of the high-flux high-energy International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility, is discussed. The concept employs multiple accelerator modules providing deu-teron beams to two liquid-lithium jet targets oriented at right angles. This beam/target geometry provides much larger test volumes than can be attained with a single beam and target and produces significant regions of low neutron flux gradient. A preliminary beam dynamics design has been obtained for a 250-mA reference accelerator module. Neutron flux levels and irradiation volumes were calculated for a neutron source incorporating two such modules, and interaction of the beam with the lithium jet was studied using a thermal-hydraulic computer simulation. Approximate cost estimates are provided for a range of beam currents, and a possible facility staging sequence is suggested.