The neutron long counter NERO for studies of beta-delayed neutron emission in the r-process

TL;DR

The NERO detector is a high-efficiency instrument designed to measure beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities in neutron-rich nuclei, aiding r-process research with low background and simultaneous detection capabilities.

Contribution

This paper introduces the design and capabilities of the NERO detector, optimized for studying beta-delayed neutrons in r-process nuclei at in-flight separator facilities.

Findings

Achieved about 40% detection efficiency for relevant neutron energies.

Successfully measured beta-delayed neutron emission probabilities.

Reduced background noise for more accurate measurements.

Abstract

The neutron long counter NERO was built at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL), Michigan State University, for measuring beta-delayed neutron-emission probabilities. The detector was designed to work in conjunction with a beta-decay implantation station, so that beta decays and beta-delayed neutrons emitted from implanted nuclei can be measured simultaneously. The high efficiency of about 40%, for the range of energies of interest, along with the small background, are crucial for measuring beta-delayed neutron emission branchings for neutron-rich r-process nuclei produced as low intensity fragmentation beams in in-flight separator facilities.