Abstract:
We consider various major utilization programmes that may be pursued at any research reactor and discuss relevance to low and medium flux reactors. These include neutron beam research and applications; radiography; radioisotope production; medical applications such as boron neutron capture therapy, industrial applications such as neutron transmutation doping; neutron activation analysis (NAA) and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis; research and development support and human resource development for nuclear energy programme; and education and training at university level in basic sciences and technology. Most of the above programmes have relevance to both low and medium flux reactors though the scales may differ. At low-flux facilities the focus would be more on NAA and radiography while crystal structure investigations and some isotope production are feasible. Low-flux reactors inherently have much simplicity that enables greater flexibility in designing new applications and testing of new ideas. These could generate valuable experience that could form the basis for advanced applications at higher flux reactors.