Measuring fast neutrons with large liquid scintillation detector for ultra-low background experiments

Authors

C. Zhang, University of South Dakota
D. M. Mei, University of South Dakota
P. Davis, University of South Dakota
B. Woltman, University of South Dakota
F. Gray, Regis University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-12-2013

Abstract

We developed a 12-liter volume neutron detector filled with the liquid scintillator EJ301 that measures neutrons in an underground laboratory where dark matter and neutrino experiments are located. The detector target is a cylindrical volume coated on the inside with reflective paint (95% reflectivity) that significantly increases the detector's light collection. We demonstrate several calibration techniques using point sources and cosmic-ray muons for energies up to 20 MeV for this large liquid scintillation detector. Neutron-gamma separation using pulse shape discrimination with a few MeV neutrons to hundreds of MeV neutrons is shown for the first time using a large liquid scintillator.

Recommended Citation

Zhang, C.; Mei, D. M.; Davis, P.; Woltman, B.; and Gray, F., "Measuring fast neutrons with large liquid scintillation detector for ultra-low background experiments" (2013). Regis University Faculty Publications (comprehensive list). 689.
https://epublications.regis.edu/facultypubs/689