On the use of lead as a neutron filter

A generalized formula is given which allows to calculate the contribution of the total neutron cross-section including the Bragg scattering from different (hkl) planes to the neutron transmission through a solid crystalline material. The formula takes into account the crystalline form of the material (poly- or mono-crystal) and crystal parameters. A computer program ISCANF-II was developed to provide the required calculations. The calculated values of the neutron transmission through a lead single crystal cut along the (311) plane were compared with the previously measured ones in the wavelength range 0.03 to 0.52 nm. The measured and calculated values were found to be in reasonable agreement within the statistical accuracy. The feasibility study on using a poly-crystalline lead as a cold neutron filter and mono-crystalline as a thermal neutron one is given. The optimum crystal thickness, temperature and characteristics for efficiently transmitting the thermal reactor neutrons, while removing simultaneously fast neutrons and gamma rays accompanying the thermal ones for the both cases are given.