Resonance Measurements at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Improving the accuracy of nuclear data is a key component to increasing the accuracy of nuclear transport calculations for a wide variety of applications. Several nuclear physics models rely on experimental nuclear data in order to provide evaluations with sufficient accuracy for applications. The Gaerttner Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Center located at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has been experimentally measuring nuclear data for nuclear data applications since its construction in 1961. These measurements are primarily focused on cross-section measurements using neutron time-of-flight utilizing the short neutron pulses provided by the electron LINAC. Currently a major upgrade to the existing accelerator is being performed which will increase the neutron production rate of the facility by a factor of 10 and is planned to be completed in 2021. The facility has several experimental setups operating in a broad energy range from thermal to 20 MeV and performs capture, fission, and transmission measurements in the resolved resonance region. A review of these experimental setups and recent measurements will be presented.