LiB neutron converter for a neutrino source

The possibility of enhancing the antineutrino flux from an intense source based on a lithium converter with the use of the beta-decaying 8 Li isotope ( T 1/2 = 0.84 s) is considered. The 8 Li nuclide is produced in the lithium converter during the (n,γ) activation of the 7 Li isotope, and high-energy with E ν of up to 13 MeV are then emitted. An intense antineutrino source can be constructed on the basis of various high-intensity neutron sources enclosed within a lithium blanket. It is possible to use reactions that enhance the 8 Li yield (e.g., 11 B(n,α) 8 Li) for fast neutrons. One possible design for a converter with the 7 Li and 11 B isotopes is analyzed. The production of 8 Li is determined using the MAMONT software for Monte Carlo neutron transport calculations.