The Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum (PFNS) Measurement Program at LANSCE

The prompt neutron spectrum from neutron-induced fission needs to be known in designing new fast reactors, predicting criticality for safety analyses, and developing techniques for global security application. A program to measure this spectrum for neutron-induced fission of 239Pu is underway at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The goal is to obtain data on the shape of the spectrum with a small uncertainty over the emitted neutron energy range of 100 keV to 12 MeV with additional data below and above this range. The incident neutron energy range will be from 0.5 to 30 MeV. The status of this program including results of initial experimental measurements is described here.