Neutron sources for test and calibration of neutron detectors for space research

This work reports on the current status of neutron sources in the Czech Republic as calibrated and ESA compliant stations for space related applications such as the testing and calibration of neutron detectors and neutron sensitive devices as well as for studies of radiation effects of electric and electronic components. The work was carried out as part of the preparatory accession activities of the Czech Republic with ESA. The goal and one of the tasks is to test and evaluate neutron sensitive devices, both conventional and prototypes, developed at ESA and at the IEAP CTU Prague. The facilities consist of both fast and thermal neutron sources providing testing and absolute calibration of a wide range of neutron detectors. The evaluation and calibration of the sources were carried out in cooperation with the Nuclear Physics Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, the Research Center Rez, and the Czech Metrology Institute in Prague.