Neutron Irradiations

The Nuclear Reactor Laboratory neutron irradiation capabilities include:  

  • In-core irradiation of samples: the OSURR has two in-core dry tubes in which encapsulated samples can be irradiated. The CIF and AIF tubes each have special sample carrier baskets available that can be used to hold samples for irradiations.  
  • Ex-core irradiation of samples: the OSURR has multiple ex-core large-experiment dry tubes in which encapsulated samples can be irradiated.
  • Timed irradiation of samples using polyethylene bottles in a pneumatic facility. The pneumatic transport system (rabbit) irradiation facility makes use of a vacuum system for insertion and extraction of samples in two-inch outer-diameter sample carriers for precisely-timed irradiations. The transfer time is less than a second.
  • Irradiation of samples or experiments with thermal neutrons using a thermal column.