Applications of (n,p) and (n,α) reactions and a backscattering technique to fusion reactor materials, archeometry, and nuclear spectroscopy

Depth profiles of He, Li and B are determined by 3He(n,p)T, 6Li(n,α)T and 10B(n,α)7Li reactions with thermal neutrons at the high flux reactor of the ILL, Grenoble. The behaviour of Li in Be is examined with respect to future fusion reactors. Range profiles of 70-300 keV Li+ are measured and found to agree with theory based on Lindhard-Scharff electronic stopping and Moliere potential. Li becomes mobile in Be above 1000C. Further, B and Li distributions in glaze of ancient pottery are examined for studying ancient production techniques. It is found that all examined samples (of Islamic, Thai and North American provenience) show Li and B concentrations which are enriched relative to the original material. Li is mostly depleted in a surface layer of 0.1-1.6 μm half-width due to various burning conditions. In experimental nuclear physics, gas cells are now often replaced by thin foils with implanted gas. In many cases the knowledge of the concentration profile is required, and is presently evaluated for the case of 3He in Ni and Au with the (n,p) reaction. This is compared to results obtained by a special Rutherford backscattering technique yielding good agreement. (orig.)