Masaryk University, Research Centre Řež, Brno University of Technology, Czech Academy of Science, University of Defence, Czech Technical University in Prague, Technical University of Ostrava, VF Nuclear, NXP, TU Dresden

09:30 - Breakfast
10:00 - prof. Cvachovec
10:15 - prof. Václav Přenosil - EmLab (FI MU)
10:25 - prof. Mazánková / prof. Trunec - Deconvolution (University of Defence)
10:35 - Tadeáš Zbožínek - CAS
10:45 - Evžen Losa - CTU
10:55 - Jaroslav Klusoň - CTU
11:10 - Coffe Break + posters
11:40 - Petr Alexa - TUO
11:50 - Oldřich Pecák - FI MU
12:00 - Tomáš Bíly - CTU
12:10 - Bertin - VF Nuclear
12:30 - Lunch
13:00 - Aleš Horna - FI MU
13:10 - Martin Ansorge - Nuclear Physics Institute CAS
13:20 - Vincent Melzer - TU Dresden
13:30 - Matyáš Hlavinka - FI MU
14:00 - Coffe Break
14:30 - Petra Krejčová - Hot Cells
14:40 - Košťál - RCŘ (remote)
14:55 - Marek Zmeškal - RCŘ
15:05 - prof. Katovsky - BUT
15:15 - David Piškula - NXP

16:30 - END

David Trunec, Vera Mazankova - Masaryk University, University of Defence
Unfolding neutron spectra using splines
Organic scintillators detect neutrons by scattering reactions with hydrogen nuclei (protons) in organic compounds. The recoil protons then produce the light output from the scintillator. The energy spectrum of neutrons impinging on the scintillator has to be determined from this light output using a so-called unfolding algorithm. However, this problem is ill-posed and therefore difficult to solve. In this study, a new method for unfolding neutron spectra is presented. This method uses B-splines approximation of neutron energy spectrum. Results of this method are shown for test data and experimental data and compared to the results of the previously developed unfolding method.

Martin Ansorge - Nuclear Physics Institute CAS
Characterization of Collimated Neutron Fields and Detection Systems for Nuclear Data Measurements at Cyclotron-Based Neutron Sources
The presentation introduces the collimated fast neutron facility at the U-120M cyclotron in Řež. We'll describe the characterization of neutron fields (5-33 MeV) using both time-of-flight and proton recoil telescope methods, which showed excellent agreement in determining the quasi-monoenergetic spectrum with a peak at 28 MeV. The CLID detection system (Chamber for Light Ion Detection) placed behind the collimator allows measurement of nuclear reactions induced by neutrons. Recent experiments measuring double-differential cross sections for light charged particle production on carbon and yttrium nuclei demonstrate the facility's capabilities for obtaining nuclear data relevant to fusion technologies and accelerator-driven systems. The presentation will also showcase examples of other experiments conducted at cyclotron-based neutron generators available at U-120M and TR-24 cyclotron facilities.

Petr Alexa - VŠB-TUO
Neutron energy measured by Time-of-Flight technique with triggered MiniPIX-Timepix3 detectors
MiniPIX Timepix3 detectors when triggered and synchronized with a DT-portable neutron generator operating in a pulse mode can provide neutron energy spectrum based on the Time-of-Flight technique. For this work we used a newly developed signal trigger-in electronic interface that switches the optocoupler with a 5 V TTL trigger signal from the neutron generator, which then turns on the trigger in the detector. The electronic reduction galvanically separates the input from the output and enables switching of different voltage levels of the input signals (3–24 V). On the detector side, the voltage is taken directly from the detector from the usb port (5 V) and adjusted to the necessary 2.5 V CMOS trigger signal. The pixel detectors equipped with a silicon sensor of thickness 300 μm and a segmented neutron conversion mask, intended for both thermal and fast neutrons and with a 65 μm thick silicon carbide (SiC) sensor allow for the correlated spectral-, time- and position-sensitive registration of single particles with discrimination of particle-type events based on their energy, stopping power, position on the detector pixel matrix and time of arrival (ToA). Demonstration and evaluation of the technique are provided by measurements at VSB-TU Ostrava and at Department of Nuclear Reactors, Czech Technical University in Prague, for different pulse frequencies and duty factors. Detection efficiency and the impact of the accuracy and stability of the neutron generator frequency are discussed in more details.

Tomáš Bílý - CTU
Experiments with Portable Neutron Generators Operated in Pulsed Mode
Presentation covers a summary of experiments performed at FNSPE CTU in Prague with low output portable neutron generators (D-D and D-T) in their pulsed mode of operation. This includes characterisation of pulsed-mode operation (neutron emission time profile measurements, frequency stability measurement), time-dependency of neutron transport in media and its sensitivity to moderating and absorbing properties of environment and applications in fissile material detection through delayed neutron counting and differential die-away.

Marek Zmeškal - Research Centre Řež
Experiments with Accelerator Neutron and Gamma Sources
A series of experiments utilizing various accelerator-based neutron and gamma sources at the RCR facility are presented. These include the measurement of secondary neutron spectra at different angles from the 18O(p,xn) reaction using a custom target at the U-120M cyclotron, and the absolute neutron yield determination with the manganese bath technique. At the IBA Cyclone 18/9 cyclotron, a B4​C filter was employed for epithermal neutron measurements, demonstrating potential for radiation hardness studies and material testing. Additionally, gamma rays from the MT25 microtron were used in activation experiments to validate photonuclear cross sections.

Karel Katovký - Brno University of Technology
Nuclear energy group at Brno University of Technology
Our group have recently expanded our nuclear-related activities at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology – most notably by launching a new master’s degree program in Nuclear power engineering, which offers students a modern, practice-oriented education in this field. As part of this development, we have established a brand-new Ionizing Radiation Laboratory, which serves both educational purposes and practical training in dosimetry and radiation protection. Our faculty is also actively engaged in reactor physics simulations, severe nuclear accident modelling, research into radioactive waste management, nuclear reactions research, neutron activation analysis, and outreach activities aimed at promoting nuclear energy to the younger generation.

David Piškula - NXP
Current Trends in microcontrolers
Artificial intelligence has become one of the leading trends in microcontrollers. Recent improvements in software optimizations, open-source libraries and specialized hardware have given rise to a great number of smart devices with projections estimating over 4 billion AI-enabled devices in the world by the year 2028. NXP Semiconductors is one of the leading semiconductor companies focusing on scalable AI solutions across their MCU and MPU portfolio. This presentation will show the latest news from NXP's MCU lineup, including an overview of AI enablement and the eIQ Neutron neural processing unit.

Petra Krejčová - Hot Cells
Hot Cells CVR
The hot cell facility at the Research Centre Řež, built under the SUSEN project, is a modular, high-shielded infrastructure for handling and testing highly irradiated materials. It consists of 10 hot cells equipped with hermetic boxes (gamma and alpha types), offering comprehensive experimental capabilities—from sample preparation to mechanical, microstructural, and chemical analysis. The modular design allows for rapid technology exchange and supports research for life extension of current nuclear reactors, development of Gen IV and fusion technologies, and radioactive waste management. Fully certified by the national nuclear safety authority, the facility serves as a unique research platform for both Czech and international nuclear communities.

Vincent Melzer - TU Dresden
Recent Developments in the Fast Neutron Spectrum Determination with Hydrogen-Filled Proportional Detectors at the AKR-2
As one part of the NAUTILUS research project, the fast neutron spectrum between some keV and around 1 MeV of the Research and Training Reactor AKR-2 of the Dresden University of Technology, is determined with hydrogen-filled proportional detectors (HPDs). In this presentation, recent developments in this effort, the current measurement chain and individual components – the AKR-2, available HPDs and the signal processing system neXmess – are discussed. 2D histograms of evaluated heights and risetimes of measured detector pulses are presented. Furthermore, experimental results of the detector characterization in form of energy resolutions and relative gains are discussed. Finally, response matrices simulated with FLUKA are presented and upcoming steps regarding the deconvolution of the fast neutron spectrum are outlined.

Jaroslav Klusoň - CTU
Methods of processing and analyzing data from airborne gamma spectrometry
Gama spektra ze scintilačního spektrometru obsahují jak kvalitativní (danou polohou identifikovatelných píků), tak kvantitativní informaci o energetické distribuci fotonů dopadajících na detektor a za definovaných podmínek i o zastoupení radionuklidů, generujících fotonové pole v místě měření. Na základě znalosti matice odezvy spektrometru tak lze dekonvolucí stanovit (za případných dalších předpokladů) hodnotu příkonu kermy ve vzduchu (případně jinou dozimetrickou veličinu) v místě měření. Pro definovanou geometrii měřícího uspořádání pak lze nasimulovat modelové odezvy pro radionuklidy, vytvářející dané fotonové pole a nafitováním těchto odezev na experimentální spektrum stanovit jejich aktivity/koncentrace. Příkladem je stanovení aktivity/koncentrací Cs a KUTh v povrchové vrstvě půdy z letecké spektrometrie gama, ale i stanovení kontaminace terénu jinými zdroji. S využitím metody MC byly pomocí kódu MCNP vypočteny pro potřebná geometrická uspořádání odezvy, resp. matice odezev pro spektrometrické systémy využívané pro monitorování v životním a pracovním prostředí a připraveny metodiky stanovení diskutovaných dozimetrických veličin s využitím iterační dekonvoluční metody a metody LSQ. Metody jsou stručně prezentovány se zaměřením na leteckou spektrometrii se spektrometrem D230A Georadis instalovaném na BLP.

• Neutron 2024
• Neutron 2023