Total Characterization of Neutron Detectors with a 252Cf Source and a New Light Output Determination

A full characterisation of neutron detector properties was achieved by means of a 252Cf source with timing of fission events. The input neutron energies were separated with the time-of-flight technique. The pulse height, the pulse shape and the time-of-flight spectra were measured in coincidence mode as three-dimensional distributions. On the basis of these data, the following characteristics were determined for each detector: Response function, light output versus proton (neutron) energy, energy resolution function for neutron energies from 1-7 MeV, time shift correction, and finally the detector efficiency from threshold up to 12 MeV. The experimental results were compared with Monte Carlo simulations. Two new analytical dependencies are suggested for the light output calculation for electrons and protons.JRC.D.5-Neutron physic