Position-sensitive detection of ultracold neutrons with an imaging camera and its implications to spectroscopy

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a position-sensitive detection method for ultracold neutrons using an imaging CCD camera, achieving high spatial and energy resolution, which enables advanced UCN spectroscopy and applications.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel imaging detection technique for ultracold neutrons with sub-15 micron spatial resolution and below 2 peV energy resolution, enhancing UCN spectroscopy capabilities.

Findings

Achieved spatial resolution <15 μm.

Corresponding energy resolution below 2 peV.

Enabled various UCN spectroscopy applications.

Abstract

Position-sensitive detection of ultracold neutrons (UCNs) is demonstrated using an imaging charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. A spatial resolution less than 15 $\mu$m has been achieved, which is equivalent to an UCN energy resolution below 2 pico-electron-volts through the relation $\delta E = m_0g \delta x$. Here, the symbols $\delta E$, $\delta x$, $m_0$ and $g$ are the energy resolution, the spatial resolution, the neutron rest mass and the gravitational acceleration, respectively. A multilayer surface convertor described previously is used to capture UCNs and then emits visible light for CCD imaging. Particle identification and noise rejection are discussed through the use of light intensity profile analysis. This method allows different types of UCN spectroscopy and other applications.