Experimental Validation of the Monte Carlo-based Shielding Design of the UIUC D-T Neutron Metrology Facility

Recent developments in fusion technology enable the use of high-yield deuterium-tritium (D-T) based generators for a variety of applications related to nuclear engineering, medicine, security, and material analysis. We recently designed and set up a laboratory based on a D-T generator. The generator and ancillary equipment can be remotely monitored and operated. The generator will mainly be used to perform scatter-based experiments to characterize fast-neutron sensitive detectors. We simulated the facility using the Monte Carlo code MCNP to quantify the dose that facility operators and the general public will be exposed to during facility operations. Also, validation of the simulated results was conducted with experimental work involving a new type of Bonner sphere spectrometer. This facility will be available to test equipment and perform experiments in a well-characterized neutron field