Neutron capture-induced silicon nuclear recoils for dark matter and CE$\nu$NS

TL;DR

This paper investigates the spectrum of prompt nuclear recoils in silicon caused by neutron capture, which are relevant for dark matter detection and CE$ u$NS experiments, providing insights into background signals and calibration methods.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed spectrum of neutron capture-induced nuclear recoils in silicon, aiding in background understanding and calibration for dark matter and CE$ u$NS research.

Findings

Recoil energies are predominantly below 1 keV.

Spectrum characterization aids in background discrimination.

Potential calibration method for low-energy nuclear recoils.

Abstract

Following neutron capture in a material there will be prompt nuclear recoils in addition to the gamma cascade. The nuclear recoils that are left behind in materials are generally below 1\,keV and therefore in the range of interest for dark matter experiments and CE$\nu$NS studies--both as backgrounds and calibration opportunities. Here we obtain the spectrum of prompt nuclear recoils following neutron capture for silicon.