A Position and Pulse Shape Discriminant p-Terphenyl Detector Module

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel p-terphenyl scintillator-based neutron detector module capable of position and pulse shape discrimination, promising improved neutron detection with enhanced spatial resolution.

Contribution

The paper presents a new pseudo-bar module design using p-terphenyl crystals that combines position sensitivity and pulse shape discrimination in a compact neutron detector.

Findings

Achieved effective pulse shape discrimination with p-terphenyl crystals.

Demonstrated position sensitivity in a pseudo-bar configuration.

Showcased promising timing resolution for neutron detection.

Abstract

We present the development of a neutron detector array module made with $\textit{para}$-terphenyl, a bright, fast, n/$\gamma$ discriminating crystalline organic scintillator. The module is comprised of 2 cm $\times$ 2 cm $\times$ 2 cm $\textit{p}$-terphenyl crystals that have been optically coupled together to create a $\textit{pseudo-bar}$ module. While only relying on two photo detectors, the module is capable of distinguishing interactions between up to eight crystals. Furthermore, the module retains the $\textit{p}$-terphenyl's pulse shape discrimination (PSD) capability. Together this makes the pseudo-bar module a promising position-sensitive neutron detector. Here we present characteristics of the pseudo-bar module - its timing resolution as well as its pulse shape and position discrimination capabilities, and briefly discuss future plans for utilizing an array of pseudo-bar modules in a useful neutron detector system.