Simulation of the Response of the Solid State Neutron Detector for the European Spallation Source

TL;DR

This paper uses Geant4 simulations to model the response of a solid-state neutron detector for the European Spallation Source, focusing on neutron interactions, scintillation light production, and optical photon transport.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed Geant4-based simulation framework for the neutron detector, including optical photon transport and comparison with experimental measurements.

Findings

Simulation accurately predicts detector response to neutrons and gamma rays.

Optical transport factors significantly influence detector efficiency.

Model validation with experimental data confirms simulation reliability.

Abstract

The characteristics of the Solid-state Neutron Detector, under development for neutron-scattering measurements at the European Spallation Source, have been simulated with a Geant4-based computer code. The code models the interations of thermal neutrons and ionising radiation in the 6Li-doped scintillating glass of the detector, the production of scintillation light and the transport of optical, scintillation photons through the the scintillator, en route to the photo-cathode of the attached multi-anode photomultiplier. Factors which affect the optical-photon transport, such as surface finish, pixelation of the glass sheet, provision of a front reflector and optical coupling media are compared. Predictions of the detector response are compared with measurements made with neutron and gamma-ray sources, a collimated alpha source and finely collimated beams of 2.5 MeV protons and deuterons.