R and D using the heavy charged particle beam accelerators of the university in Louvain-la-Neuve

The Cyclotron Research Centre (CRC) in Louvain-la-Neuve runs three cyclotrons: the first one (CYCLONE acronym for 'CYClotron de LOuvain la NEuve') is a multiparticle (protons-> Xenon), variable energy (80 MeV for protons, 110*Q2/A MeV for heavy ions and down to 0.56 MeV/nucleon for light radioactive ions) isochronous cyclotron. The second one (CYCLONE30) is a fixed field, fixed frequency H- cyclotron capable of beam currents up to 500 μAat energies ranging from 15 to 30 MeV. It is the prototype of an industrial cyclotron for commercial isotope production developed at CRC. The third one is a home built isochronous, multiparticle, variable energy cyclotron (CYCLONE44) for the acceleration of intense, low energy RIB's for cross-section measurements of interest for Nuclear Astrophysics. After a brief description of the cyclotrons, the production of RIB's and neutron beams (both monoenergetic and high intensity), are presented. Some uses of the beams are illustrated: RIB's for Nuclear Astrophysics; neutron beams for cross-section measurements of interest for the energy amplifier/nuclear waste transmutation projects or for the production of neutron rich RIB's; heavy ions for Single Event Effects (SEE) testing in space components and for the production of track etched microporous membranes; proton and neutron beams for Medical Applications. Finally, the interaction between industrial development and fundamental research experienced in our laboratory are commented and future plans are sketched. (J.P.N.)