Neutron Yields from Uranium-Fluorine Compounds

The neutron yields from several uranium compounds were measured, using a ³He detector. The results are compared to calculations based on the known “stopping power” for alpha particles and the thick target yield for (α, n) reactions of fluorine and oxygen. Good agreement is obtained between the calculated and measured results. It is thus argued that the method of calculation used can be confidently applied to predict the neutron yield of compounds containing alpha-emitting atoms and (α, n) productive elements. The possibility of online detection of impurities, such as UO₃ or UO₂F₂ in UF₄, in the production of uranium fuel rods is discussed.