Proton beam multiplexing and pulse distribution concepts for the High Brilliance neutron Source HBS

The High Brilliance Source (HBS) project aims to develop a scalable Compact Accelerator-driven Neutron Source (CANS) using nuclear reactions of protons in the low MeV energy range with a suitable solid target. Optimization of the accelerator as well as the target-, moderator- and shielding assembly allows to obtain neutron fluxes at the instruments comparable to today's research reactors. The HBS project features efficient simultaneous operation of different neutron instruments. This will be realized by distributing appropriate 50 - 800 μ s long pulse sequences in a multiplexed 70 MeV energy proton beam to different target stations operated at different repetition rate but identical average power. The different timing schemes can be used to obtain the optimal balance between wavelength bandwidth and resolution of the time-resolved neutron spectrum extracted from the thermal or cold neutron moderator according to the requirement of the experiment. This contribution presents current developments of a proton pulse distribution device. Synchronisation to a pulser in the LEBT beam line of the accelerator requires fast kicker magnets that enable pulsed beam deflection. We discuss challenges in the design of such magnets and outline plans of prototype developments.