Elastic recoil detection method using DT neutrons for hydrogen isotope analysis in fusion materials

The Fusion Neutronics Source of Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute has started the study on the hydrogen isotope analysis for fusion components since 2002 on the basis of the techniques such as nuclear activation method, ion beam method and imaging plate method. In this study, we propose the elastic recoil detection analysis (NERDA) method using 14.1 MeV neutron beam to extend the analyzable depth of hydrogen isotopes analysis up to several hundreds micrometers. An experimental setup for NERDA was constructed and a proof-of-principle experiment was then made using a standard sample of deuterated polyethylene film containing a known concentration of deuterium with thickness of 100 μm. The depth resolution of the present condition was estimated to be 158 μm for the sample. (author)