An improved method for estimating the neutron background in measurements of neutron capture reactions

TL;DR

This paper introduces an improved method for estimating neutron background in neutron capture experiments, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive simulations and advanced data analysis to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel neutron background estimation technique that accounts for the temporal evolution of neutron-induced reactions and incorporates relativistic kinematics, reducing reliance on extensive simulations.

Findings

Enhanced accuracy in neutron background estimation.

Reduced need for sample-specific simulations.

Improved data analysis procedures for neutron scattering.

Abstract

The relation between the neutron background in neutron capture measurements and the neutron sensitivity related to the experimental setup is examined. It is pointed out that a proper estimate of the neutron background may only be obtained by means of dedicated simulations taking into account the full framework of the neutron-induced reactions and their complete temporal evolution. No other presently available method seems to provide reliable results, in particular under the capture resonances. An improved neutron background estimation technique is proposed, the main improvement regarding the treatment of the neutron sensitivity, taking into account the temporal evolution of the neutron-induced reactions. The technique is complemented by an advanced data analysis procedure based on relativistic kinematics of neutron scattering. The analysis procedure allows for the calculation of the neutron background in capture measurements, without requiring the time-consuming simulations to be adapted to each particular sample. A suggestion is made on how to improve the neutron background estimates if neutron background simulations are not available.