Large-Area Detectors for Low Energy Fission Nuetrons

We propose to investigate alternate methods to detect fission neutrons in the 0.1 to 1 MeV energy range. Our goal will be to, produce a prototype scintillator of good detection efficiency that is capable ofmaking a neutron TOF measurement, and which is able to suppress gamma-ray backgrounds. Our baseline design will use a solid plastic scintillator coupled to two or more fast photomultiplier tubes. This choice is based on the inherently high efficiency of n-p scattering in this energy range and the speed of the response of the scintillator.