A spallation source uses protons to knock neutrons out of heavy metal atoms. Liquid mercury is used as it doesnt suffer damage to a solid structure, although I am curious as to what the mercury is gradually converted into.
Consider that the DPF produces alpha particles of a high energy… Does the concept of alpha particle spallation make sense? I know we use charged particles because we can guide them (as opposed to the willy nilly go everywhere neutral neutrons) into a spallation target, resulting in neutrons traveling in roughly the same direction.
