LENS Operating Experience

Indiana University is operating a Low Energy Neutron Source which provides cold neutrons for material research and neutron physics and MeV energy for the neutron radiation effects studies. Neutrons are being produced by a 13 MeV proton beam incident on a Beryllium target. The LENS Proton Delivery System (PDS) is routinely operating at 13 MeV and 25 mA at 1.8% duty factor. The RF system, consisting of three Litton 5773 klystron RF tubes at 425 MHz and 1 MW each, power the AccSys Technology PL-13 LINAC. The proton beam delivers up to 6 kilowatts of power to the Beryllium target. Details of the beam spreading system, target cooling system, and accelerator operations will be discussed.