Nuclear Science with Thermal and Fast Neutrons at UMass Lowell

Increased interest in improving nuclear data for applied nuclear science has prompted new research activity at the UMass Lowell Radiation Laboratory. At the 5.5-MV CN Van de Graaff accelerator facility, the beamline for precision (n,$\gamma$) and (n,n'$\gamma$) measurements with sub-nanosecond proton beam bunches is being refurbished. A proton microbeam facility is being installed for interdisciplinary studies of materials using applied nuclear techniques. In addition, the thermal column of the 1-MW research reactor will be fitted with a new shielded area for thermal (n,$\gamma$) measurements. Neutron flux measurements, shielding calculations, and simulations are underway. Progress, status and research plans with these facilities will be discussed.