Conceptual design and first results for a neutron detector with interaction localization capabilities

J. Heideman, D. Pérez-Loureiro, R. Grzywacz, C. R. Thornsberry, J. Chan, L. H. Heilbronn, S. K. Neupane, K. Schmitt, M. M. Rajabali, A. R. Engelhardt, C. W. Howell, L. D. Mostella, J. S. Owens, S. C. Shadrick, E. E. Peters, A. P.D. Ramirez, S. W. Yates, K. Vaigneur

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new high-precision detector for studying neutrons from beta-delayed neutron emission and direct reaction studies is proposed. The Neutron dEtector with multi-neutron (denoted Xn) Tracking (NEXT) array is designed to maintain high intrinsic neutron detection efficiency while reducing uncertainties in neutron energy measurements. A single NEXT module is composed of thin segments of plastic scintillator, each optically separated, capable of neutron-gamma discrimination. Each segmented module is coupled to position sensitive photodetectors enabling the high-precision determination of neutron time of arrival and interaction position within the active volume. A design study has been conducted based on simulations and experimental tests leading to the construction of prototype units. First results from measurements using a 252Cf neutron source and accelerator-produced monoenergetic neutrons are presented.

Original languageEnglish
Article number162528
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Volume946
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019 Elsevier B.V.

Keywords

  • Beta-delayed neutron emission
  • Direct reactions
  • Neutron detection
  • Pulse shape discrimination
  • Time of flight

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Instrumentation

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