Multi-beam neutron guide system at IRI, Delft

One of the main facilities of the Interfaculty Reactor Institute (IRI) at the Delft University of Technology is the swimming-pool type research reactor HOR. In 1963 it was critical for the first time. The power raised from 100 kW in 1963 to 500 kW in 1965. In 1968, forced cooling was introduced. From that time on, the reactor is operated at 2 MW, 5 days per week. The reactor comprises a variety of irradiation facilities, used among others for radioisotope production and neutron activation analysis. It is equipped with six horizontal radial beam tubes, originally used for neutron-scattering experiments. Throughout the years, the research activities have grown steadily, both in the development of new techniques and in applying these techniques in new research areas. (orig.)