Looking for information on gamma light sources

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on gamma light sources with energy thresholds of 10 MeV or higher, specifically utilizing electron accelerators with tungsten or tantalum targets. The user is interested in the Ra226 to Ra225 reaction and subsequent beta decay to Ac225, requiring high-energy gamma rays that exceed typical reactor or accelerator outputs. References to the HIGS facility at TUNL indicate capabilities of producing gamma rays at rates of 10^10 g/s above 25 MeV. Commercially available linear accelerators (LINACs) from Varian and Siemens are highlighted as potential sources for these high-energy gamma rays.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gamma spectroscopy and high-energy gamma interactions.
  • Familiarity with electron linear accelerators (LINACs) and their applications.
  • Knowledge of nuclear reactions, specifically (γ,n) and (n,γ) photonuclear reactions.
  • Basic principles of radiation oncology and associated safety concerns.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and capabilities of Varian and Siemens high-energy linear accelerators.
  • Explore the International Workshop on Next Generation Gamma-Ray Source for advanced gamma production techniques.
  • Study Monte Carlo simulations for characterizing (γ,n) and (n,γ) reactions in high-energy radiation therapy.
  • Investigate the influence of high-energy gamma rays on the chemical properties of structural alloys, particularly concerning corrosion.
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in nuclear physics, radiation oncologists, and professionals involved in gamma spectroscopy and high-energy radiation applications will benefit from this discussion.

mesa
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TL;DR
In need of information on high energy and flux gamma light source for nuclear transmutation experiments.
Hello, I am looking for something a bit out of my wheelhouse today, gamma light sources (10 MeV or higher on the max energy threshold).

Does anyone here have experience or more information on these machines? Are they typically electron accelerators utilizing a tungsten or tantalum target? I am guessing we would see a spectrum similar to when measuring high energy Betas during gamma spectroscopy for 'low' energies (considering running a Pb or Bi alloy with a high energy Beta emitter post NAA for tighter measurements next week to get a better look at these spectrums).

I ask because I am interested in running the Ra226+g-->Ra225+n reaction and subsequent beta minus decay to Ac225 for comparrison to our reactor method.

This requires a high energy gamma outside of what can typically be made in a reactor or with our accelerator so need to do some some digging. I see the folks at TUNL using the HIGS have an article stating they can hit 10^10g/s above 25MeV; I am assuming the 'g' is for gamma in their writeup.

Either way, any information is appreciated!
 
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Such gamma rays are produced with electron linacs.

See - International Workshop on Next Generation Gamma-Ray Source (readily accessible).
https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.10843

Good set of references and contacts.
 
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Astronuc said:
Such gamma rays are produced with electron linacs.

See - International Workshop on Next Generation Gamma-Ray Source (readily accessible).
https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.10843

Good set of references and contacts.
I enjoyed the paper so much I printed a copy for my collection, thank you Astronuc.
 
There are some commercially available LINACs that produce electrons and gammas for radiation oncology. Two major manufacturers are Varian and Siemens.

https://www.oncologysystems.com/res...h-energy-linear-accelerators-comparison-chart
https://www.oncologysystems.com/res.../siemens-linear-accelerators-comparison-chart

Fast neutrons from photoneutron (γ,n) reactions induced by high energy gammas (E > 7 MeV) are a concern in medical oncology.

Secondary neutron spectra from modern Varian, Siemens, and Elekta linacs with multileaf collimators​

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738742/

Monte Carlo characterizations mapping of the (γ,n) and (n,γ) photonuclear reactions in the high energy X-ray radiation therapy​

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1507136713010031

I'm interested in gammas in the range of 5 to 12 MeV, which are induced by neutron capture in certain nuclides found in structural alloys, the main culprit being Ni-isotopes. There is circumstantial evidence to suggest the presence of high energy gammas influences the chemistry (chemical physics) of alloys with respect to corrosion and radiation-induced segregation.
 

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