Californium-252 neutron sources

The technologies of neutron sources production developed by RIAR are reviewed. To produce 252Cf-containing core, different techniques are used depending on the source type. They are: impregnation of foam-alundum billets, glass beads and cermet production (point sources), electroplating on the platinum cathode (linear sources). Neutron sources produced by RIAR are one- or two-capsule design. Capsules are made of stainless steel and argon arc-welded. Neutron output of the sources varies from 1 × 106 to 2 × 1010 cm−2 s−1. Sources are widely used in medicine, industry, and research work.