Development of a new neutron time-of-flight array for beta-decay studies

The Nuclear Structure Group of LPC Caen is developing a new neutron time-of-flight detector array for structure studies. Our main physics interest is the investigation of beta-delayed neutron emission from neutron-rich nuclei, including the most exotic cases for which two or more neutrons are emitted. The detection of these multiple delayed neutrons requires an array with significantly improved performance compared to existing arrays, in particular a strong background reduction capability. Our main development strategies towards such an improved array involve the use of modules of scintillator with neutron-gamma discrimination properties, digital acquisition and signal processing, and a detailed characterisation of the response of individual modules (intrinsic efficiency, cross-talk probability). In this talk the status of this development will be presented