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High-Resolution Neutron Spectroscopy to Study Picosecond-Nanosecond Dynamics of Proteins and Hydration Water
Published on: April 28, 2022
Performance of a neutron spectrometer based on a PIN diode
S Agosteo1, G D'Angelo, A Fazzi
1Dipartimento di Ingegneria Nucleare, Politecnico di Milano, via Ponzio 34/3, 20133 Milano, Italy. stefano.agosteo@polimi.it
Radiation Protection Dosimetry
|April 11, 2006
Summary
This study presents a novel neutron spectrometer using a PIN diode and polyethylene converter for low-energy neutron detection. The device effectively measures neutron spectra, proving useful for low-energy ion accelerator facilities.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Instrumentation
- Particle Detection Physics
Background:
- Neutron detection is crucial for various scientific and industrial applications.
- Existing methods for low-energy neutron spectroscopy have limitations in energy range and accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a neutron spectrometer for low-energy neutron fields.
- To evaluate the spectrometer's capability in reproducing continuous neutron spectra using pulse-shape discrimination.
Main Methods:
- A PIN diode coupled with a polyethylene converter was employed for neutron detection via recoil-protons in silicon.
- Pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) using a crossover method in a reverse-injection configuration was utilized to determine neutron energy.
- The spectrometer's performance was assessed by irradiating it with neutrons produced from a beryllium target bombarded by protons.
Main Results:
- The neutron spectrometer has a detectable energy range from 0.9 MeV to 6 MeV.
- Pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) enabled assessment of lower energy neutrons.
- The device demonstrated the capacity to reproduce continuous neutron spectra.
Conclusions:
- The developed neutron spectrometer is suitable for low-energy neutron fields, particularly those at low-energy ion accelerator facilities.
- Optimization of the electronic chain for PSD enhanced the spectrometer's ability to analyze neutron spectra.
- The findings validate the spectrometer's utility for specific low-energy neutron spectroscopy applications.
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