Validation of spallation neutron production and propagation within Geant4

TL;DR

This paper validates the Geant4 simulation's ability to model muon-induced neutron production and propagation, crucial for underground experiments, by comparing simulations with experimental data and addressing observed discrepancies.

Contribution

It provides a validation framework for Geant4 physics models related to neutron production and proposes correction techniques for simulation discrepancies.

Findings

Discrepancies identified between Geant4 simulations and experimental data.

Techniques developed to correct simulation inaccuracies.

Enhanced understanding of neutron backgrounds in underground experiments.

Abstract

Using simulations to understand backgrounds from muon-induced neutrons is important in designing next-generation low-background underground experiments. Validation of relevant physics within the Geant4 simulation package has been completed by comparing to data from two recent experiments. Verification focused on the production and propagation of neutrons at energies important to underground experiments. Discrepancies were observed between experimental data and the simulation. Techniques were explored to correct for these discrepancies.