Compact scintillation detectors for high energy neutron spectrometry

by Prof. Andy Buffler (University of Cape Town)

Wednesday 19 Jun 2024, 15:00 → 17:00 Europe/Rome

M.B.Ceolin Meeting room

There continues to be a growing need for new compact neutron spectrometers, driven mainly by the requirements for dosimetry in hadron therapy, aircraft, spacecraft, future extra-terrestrial bases, and around high energy accelerator facilities. For dosimetry in the upper atmosphere and in space, neutrons in the energy range exceeding 100 MeV need to be measured. Since neutrons are seldom present without gamma rays, any useful detector is required to be able to discriminate between the two radiation types. We present an overview of our work on developing compact neutron spectrometers, based on EJ-276 plastic scintillator coupled to one or more silicon photomultipliers. We illustrate the use of various designs of these detectors for spectrometry based on the unfolding of pulse height spectra using both simulated and measured response matrices. Field applications will also be discussed.