REVIEW OF INTENSE GAMMA SOURCES USING NEUTRON-CAPTURE

The properties of monochromatic γ-sources having discrete energies (Eγ ≤ 11.4 MeV) generated by neutron capture via a nuclear reactor are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of such sources are compared with γ-sources produced by other methods. Features such as intensity, monochromaticity, collimation, angular aperture, and background are discussed. It is shown that intensities of the order of 108 photons/s · cm2 · eV on the target position may be produced in conjunction with a high flux reactor, and that such γ-sources have unique properties which cannot be superseded as yet by any other means. Methods of coarse and fine variation of the energies of such γ-rays are mentioned. The production of fully linearly polarized monochromatic photon beams is discussed. © 1979.