Data Acquisition System for CSNS Neutron Beam Monitor

TL;DR

This paper presents NEROS, a new data acquisition system for CSNS neutron beam monitors, integrating real-time data handling, visualization, and storage, tested through various offline and in-situ evaluations.

Contribution

Development of NEROS, a comprehensive DAQ software based on EPICS V4 for neutron beam monitoring at CSNS, including data processing and visualization capabilities.

Findings

NEROS successfully integrated into CSNS instruments.

System demonstrated reliable real-time data acquisition and processing.

Performance validated through multiple offline and in-situ tests.

Abstract

In Chinese Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS), proton beam is used to hit metal tungsten target, and then high flux neutrons are generated for experiments on instruments. For neutron flux spectrum correction, boron-coated GEM, lithium glass and 3He are used as neutron beam monitor in instruments. To be integrated into neutron instrument control, a new DAQ software for neutron beam monitor is developed, called NEROS (Neutron Event Readout System). NEROS is based on EPICS V4 and a unified data format for CSNS neutron beam monitor is defined. The framework and software design of NEROS is introduced in this paper, including real-time data readout, data processing, data visualization and data storage in Nexus format. The performance is evaluated through offline test, X-ray test and 252Cf test. The deployment of NEROS and its running result in CSNS instrument commissioning are also introduced in this paper.