Outline

Our unit operates three RANS (RIKEN Accelerator-driven compact Neutron Systems) systems, providing neutron irradiation facilities to experimental groups both within and outside the institute. RANS uses 7 MeV protons and a beryllium (Be) target, while RANS-II and III use 2.49 MeV protons and a lithium (Li) target. Users range from research institutions and universities to private companies. The RANS development program has focused on miniaturization with the goal of portability. RANS-III, which began operation in 2025, has been successfully mounted on a vehicle, and we are advancing its implementation in society. We are conducting comprehensive development of ion sources, accelerators, control systems, neutron-generating targets, radiation shielding, detectors, and measurement methods, with the aim of developing neutron sources that benefit society.

Fields

Engineering, Physics, Materials Sciences

Keywords

Neutron, Accelerator, Ion source, Radiography, Neutron-generating target

Subjects

  • Operation and Performance Enhancement of Compact Accelerator Neutron Source Systems

RIKEN Accelerator-driven compact Neutron System (Top left: RANS-I; Bottom left: RANS-II; Right: RANS-III)

Selected Publications

  • Kobayashi, T., Ikeda, S., Otake, Y., Ikeda, Y., and Hayashizaki, N.:“Completion of a new accelerator-driven compact neutron source prototype RANS-II for on-site use”, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A　(Nucl Instrum Methods Phys Res, Sect A) [MO1.1]994, 165091 (2021).
  • Sugihara, K., Ikeda, Y., Kobayashi, T., Fujita, K., Ikeda, S., Shigyo, N., and Otake, Y.: “Radiation field characterization with emphasis on the collimator configuration at the compact neutron source RANS-II facility”, Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology (J Nucl Sci Technol)[MO2.1] 60(2), 110–123 (2022).
  • Yan, M., Ma, B., Hashiguchi, T., Taketani, A., Iwamoto, C., Wakabayashi, Y., Fujita, K., Takanashi, T., Takamura, M., Kobayashi, T., Ikeda, S., Mizuta, M., Ikeda, Y., and Otake, Y.:“Investigation of Dose Rate Distribution in an Experimental Hall of a RIKEN Accelerator-Driven Compact Neutron Source Based on the 9Be(p, n) Reaction With 7 MeV Proton Injection”, IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science (IEEE Trans Nucl Sci)[MO3.1] 69(2), 118-125 (2022).
  • Ikeda, S., Kobayashi, T., Otake, Y., Matsui, R., Okamura, M., and Hayashizaki, N.:“Fabrication and RF test of the 500 MHz-RFQ linear accelerator for a transportable neutron source RANS-III”, J. Neutron Res[MO4.1]. 24(3-4), 249-259 (2022).

Members

Members List
Name Position
Tomohiro Kobayashi Unit Leader
Sohei Imajo Research Scientist [Conc.]
Yasuki Okuno Research Scientist [Conc.]
Hiroki Kusano Research Scientist [Conc.]
Abdul Muneem Postdoctoral Researcher [Conc.]

Access & Contact

2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, JapanAccess

Contact Form »