Implementation of a prototype slow positron beam at the NC State University PULSTAR reactor

A prototype beam system was designed and tested to verify the potential of utilizing the North Carolina State University PULSTAR reactor in generating slow positrons. An annealed tungsten converter/moderator was placed at the end of beam tube ♯6 near the PULSTAR core and surrounded by 0.5-mm-thick cadmium cover. Fission and cadmium capture γ-rays were used to drive pair production reactions in the tungsten. The positrons emitted from tungsten were electrostatically focused and guided using a magnetic solenoid until they reached the exit of the biological shield. An aluminum plate that was placed near the exit served as an annihilation target for the positrons. A coincidence counting system was set up to measure the true coincidence rate of the 511 keV annihilation photons that are produced once the slow positrons strike the aluminum target. The data demonstrated the production and control of slow positrons at a rate greater than 107e+/s.