Fast Neutron Detection with a Segmented Spectrometer

Published

November 3, 2014

Author(s)

Jeffrey S. Nico, T J. Langford, Christopher D. Bass, H Breuer, Craig Heimbach, D. K. Erwin

Abstract

A fast neutron spectrometer consisting of segmented plastic scintillator and He-3 proportional counters was constructed for the measurement of neutrons in the energy range 1 MeV to 200 MeV. We discuss its design, principles of operation, and the method of analysis. The spectrometer was characterized for energy resolution and efficiency in fast neutron fields of 2.5 MeV, 14 MeV, and fission spectrum neutrons, and the results are compared with Monte Carlo simulations. Measurements of the fast neutron flux and energy response at 120 m above sea-level (39.130 degrees N, 77.218 degrees W) and at a depth of 560 m in a limestone mine are also presented. Finally, the design of a spectrometer with improved sensitivity and energy resolution is discussed.

Citation

Nuclear Instruments & Methods A

Volume

771

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2014.10.060

Local Download

Keywords

Capture gating, Fast neutron detection, Low background Neutron spectrometer, Underground physics

Citation

Nico, J. , Langford, T. , Bass, C. , Breuer, H. , Heimbach, C. and Erwin, D. (2014), Fast Neutron Detection with a Segmented Spectrometer, Nuclear Instruments & Methods A, [online], https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2014.10.060, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=916366 (Accessed October 31, 2024)