Neutron detection efficiency of the Neutron dEtector with Xn Tracking (NEXT)

TL;DR

The paper introduces the NEXT neutron detector, which improves energy resolution and efficiency in detecting beta-delayed neutrons from neutron-rich nuclei by segmenting the detector and using advanced scintillator technology.

Contribution

This work presents a novel segmented neutron detector design that enhances energy resolution and detection efficiency for beta-delayed neutron measurements.

Findings

High intrinsic neutron detection efficiency achieved

Good energy resolution maintained

Effective neutron measurement from direct reactions

Abstract

An efficient neutron detection system with good energy resolution is required to correctly characterize decays of neutron-rich nuclei where $\beta-$delayed neutron emission is a dominant decay mode. The Neutron dEtector with Xn Tracking (NEXT) has been designed to measure $\beta$-delayed neutron emitters. By segmenting the detector along the neutron flight path, NEXT reduces the associated uncertainties in neutron time-of-flight measurements, improving energy resolution while maintaining detection efficiency. Detector prototypes are comprised of optically separated segments of a neutron-gamma discriminating plastic scintillator coupled to position-sensitive photomultiplier tubes. The first performance studies of this detector showed that high intrinsic neutron detection efficiency could be achieved while retaining good energy resolution. The results from the efficiency measurements using neutrons from direct reactions are presented.