NEUCAL, an innovative neutron detector for e/h discrimination: testbeam results

TL;DR

NEUCAL is a compact neutron detector designed to improve particle discrimination in space-based calorimeter experiments by exploiting neutron yield differences between electromagnetic and hadronic showers, validated through beam tests.

Contribution

This paper introduces NEUCAL, a novel neutron detection method using scintillation detectors for enhanced e/h discrimination in space calorimeters.

Findings

Successful prototype testing with pion and positron beams

Good agreement between experimental data and Geant4 simulations

Demonstrated potential for improved particle discrimination

Abstract

An excellent hadron to electron discrimination is a crucial aspect of calorimeter-based experiments in astroparticle physics. Standard discrimination techniques require full shower development and fine granularity but in space detectors severe limitations exist due to constraints on dimensions, weight and power consumption. A possible approach is to exploit the different neutron yield of electromagnetic and hadronic showers. NEUCAL is a light and compact innovative neutron detector, to be used as an auxiliary complement of electromagnetic calorimeters. This new approach to neutron counting relies on scintillation detectors which are sensitive to the moderation phase of the neutron component. The NEUCAL prototype has been placed after a conventional calorimeter and tested with high energy beams of pions and positrons. The comparison of experimental data with a detailed Geant4 simulation and the encouraging results obtained are presented.