Neutron calibration techniques for comparison of tokamak results

A workshop on 1–3 August 1989 reviewed the techniques, uncertainties, and experiences of neutron calibration on PLT, TFTR, JET, Tore Supra, JT-60, JIPPT-IIU, Alcator C-Mod, ATF, FT, ASDEX, Textor, and DIII-D. In the summary session, the workshop participants discussed possible consensus neutron calibration techniques appropriate to D-D plasmas in tokamaks. The application of such techniques would facilitate a more accurate comparison of neutron yields from different devices, and also allow new calibration techniques to relate their precision to a reference value. General agreement was reached on the suitability of two techniques: (1) a 252Cf source calibration of epithermal neutron detectors, and (2) threshold neutron activation of Ni foils placed vertically above or below the plasma. This paper will present details on detector positioning, neutron transport calculations, and interlab normalization needed to accomplish the standardized calibration using a Cf neutron source.