Novel LaCl₃(Ce)-based spectrometer for deuterium plasma neutron diagnostics

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Materials science
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Neutron spectrometry is crucial for plasma diagnostics.
• Cerium-doped lanthanum chloride (LaCl₃(Ce)) scintillators offer potential for radiation detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the application of LaCl₃(Ce) crystals for D-D neutron spectrometry.
• To determine optimal experimental parameters and energy calibration for LaCl₃(Ce) detectors.
• To assess the feasibility of using LaCl₃(Ce) for deuterium plasma neutron diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Experimental campaign for parameter optimization and calibration using neutron and gamma sources.
• GEANT4 simulations to model detector response to gamma irradiation.
• Pulse-shape discrimination (PSD) fine-tuning based on intrinsic alpha activity for alpha/neutron/gamma pulse selection.
• Spectrometer response investigation using a D-D neutron generator (ING-07D).

Main Results:

• Optimal setup parameters and energy calibration were derived for the LaCl₃(Ce) detector.
• Effective alpha/neutron/gamma pulse selection was achieved through PSD.
• The response of the LaCl₃(Ce) spectrometer to D-D neutrons was characterized.
• GEANT4 simulations provided a detailed understanding of detector performance.

Conclusions:

• The LaCl₃(Ce) scintillation spectrometer demonstrates significant potential for D-D neutron spectrometry.
• This technology is suitable for neutron diagnostics in deuterium plasma applications.