Energy-resolved fast neutron resonance radiography at CSNS

TL;DR

This paper proposes a liquid scintillator fiber array for fast neutron resonance radiography at CSNS, enabling high-resolution, energy-resolved neutron imaging using time-of-flight measurements with a focus on detector design and flux estimation.

Contribution

It introduces a novel fiber array detector design optimized for neutron resonance radiography at a high-flux neutron source.

Findings

Design criteria for ToF measurement established

Flux estimation and detector response analyzed

Potential for advanced neutron imaging demonstrated

Abstract

The white neutron beamline at the China Spallation Neutron Source will be used mainly for nuclear data measurements. It will be characterized by high flux and broad energy spectra. To exploit the beamline as a neutron imaging source, we propose a liquid scintillator fiber array for fast neutron resonance radiography. The fiber detector unit has a small exposed area, which will limit the event counts and separate the events in time, thus satisfying the requirements for single-event time-of-flight (SEToF) measurement. The current study addresses the physical design criteria for ToF measurement, including flux estimation and detector response. Future development and potential application of the technology are also discussed.