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Neutron-photon discrimination and spectrum unfolding with a stilbene detector
C Mertens1, C De Lellis, F Tondeur
1Institut Supérieur Industriel de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
Summary
Researchers developed a neutron dose monitor using a stilbene detector for neutron-photon discrimination. This method, applicable to organic scintillators, analyzes pulse amplitude and decay time for accurate neutron detection.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear instrumentation
- Radiation detection and measurement
Background:
- Development of neutron dose monitors is crucial for radiation safety.
- Organic scintillators offer potential for neutron detection but require effective discrimination techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a procedure for neutron-photon discrimination using a stilbene detector.
- To establish a foundation for developing neutron dose monitors with organic scintillators.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a stilbene detector for pulse measurement via numerical acquisition.
- Calculated pulse amplitude and decay time using software.
- Performed neutron-photon discrimination in an amplitude-decay time plot.
- Unfolded amplitude spectra using MAXED and MCNPX-calculated detector response matrices.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated neutron-photon discrimination using pulse amplitude and decay time analysis.
- Generated separate amplitude spectra for unfolded data.
- Validated the procedure's applicability to organic scintillators.
Conclusions:
- The tested procedure enables effective neutron-photon discrimination in organic scintillators.
- This work is a significant first step towards developing advanced neutron dose monitors.
- The methodology shows promise for future radiation monitoring applications.
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