Neutron Science Laboratory

The laboratory was renovated in 2017 with a specific goal to accommodate the use of a new DT neutron generator (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Model P211) in various open-beam configurations.

NSL provides convenient access to high-fidelity monoenergetic and broad-energy neutron sources for basic research, nuclear security and nonproliferation, and other experimental needs.

In 2004, the NERS Department purchased a DD neutron generator (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Model MP320, producing 2.45 MeV with a rate of 106 n/s).

The renovated NSL provides a convenient access to both monoenergetic (DD/DT) and broad-energy (252Cf) neutron sources to the faculty, staff, and students of University of Michigan.

The State of Michigan of Community Health (MDCH) is the regulatory body to which the design of the NSL must comply.

MDCH limits Class AA installations public exposure to be less than 2 mrem/h, measure 5 cm from any accessible external surface point, while the source is operating at maximum radiation output.

Therefore, the lab was designed such that the dose rates are less than 2 mrem/h at any point outside of the experimental area with DT generator in operation (since it is the most intense source in the laboratory) The concrete walls were made 3 ft thick according to the guidance from The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements Report No.