The neutron Time-Of-Flight facility, n_TOF, at CERN (I): Technical Description

The n_TOF facility is a spallation neutron source operating at CERN from 2001. It produces, thanks to the characteristics of the proton driver and of the massive Pb target, a wide energy, very high instantaneous neutron flux, which is employed for neutron-induced reactions measurement. The n TOF facility resumed operation in November 2008, after a 4 years stop due to radioprotection issues connected with the operation of the spallation target. It features a new lead spallation target with a more robust design a more efficient cooling, separate moderator circuit and a target area ventilation system. In this contribution technical details about this facility and its operation will be given, together with future perspective for the performances of the facility.