Electron Linear Accelerators for Fast Neutron Data Measurements in Support of Fusion Energy Applications

Continuing improvements in electron linear accelerators, and associated targets, detectors, and data acquisition systems, make facilities based on these neutron sources very productive in meeting nuclear data needs for fusion energy development. The operation of an electron linear accelerator is briefly outlined, and specific information about neutron-producing targets, available detector systems, and data acquisition capabilities for several of the most productive facilities is given. Data needs are reviewed in terms of reactions important to the fusion energy program, and several examples are given of data acquired at these facilities for these reactions. Much of the experimental data upon which nuclear data evaluations are based are measured at electron linacs, and they continue to be a valuable source of nuclear data for fusion reactor design.