An optimized neutron producing tantalum target with an optimized internal microchannel cooling was developed for a 70 MeV proton beam with a peak current of 100 mA, a duty cycle of 1.43% and an average power of 100 kW on a target surface area of 100 cm2. In this work a target with microchannel cooling structure is described which matches with the proton's energy to minimize hydrogen implantation and to produce energy deposition with optimum homogeneity inside the target to minimize the thermal stresses. For the purpose of getting an optimal target design, the investigations of energy deposition, proton fluence, the spatial distribution of (p, n) reactions and the spatial distribution of stopping protons of the target with different microchannel geometries were performed with the particle transport code FLUKA. The resulting design produces a homogeneous proton fluence and energy deposition without hot spots. Furthermore, only 4.4% of the impinging protons accumulate in the metal target, which significantly decreases the risk of hydrogen embrittlement and blistering.

The High Brilliance neutron Source (HBS) is a project for a next generation neutron research facility, based on new concepts and recent technological advancements. As elementary processes it uses neither fission nor spallation, but instead low energy nuclear reactions in a very compact Target-ModeratorReflector (TMR) assembly. Our facility design results in very efficient production of neutron beams with high brightness. Key features of HBS are: (i) very competitive instrument performance, (ii) comparatively low construction and operation costs, (iii) resilience, (iv) sustainability, (v) flexibility, (vi) accessibility and (vii) scalability. Here we present the basic layout of the facility, elaborate on the mentioned key features and report on the commissioning of a small test setup.