Optimization of a mixed multiplicity counter using Monte Carlo simulations and measurements

Andreas Enqvist, Kyle Weinfurther, Marek Flaska, Sara A. Pozzi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

A measurement system capable of multiplicity measurements for both neutrons and gamma rays has been developed at the University of Michigan. The benefit of such an approach is in the increased number of available measurables. A pure neutron assay results in three measurables for third-order multiples, while a combined neutron/gamma-ray assay results in 9 measurables for the same order of multiples. The idea is to use the additional measurables to achieve greater accuracy when determining unknown parameters of the sample such as the fissile mass. The measurement system is based on liquid scintillation detectors (EJ-309) which feed detected pulses to a digital data-acquisition system. The excellent pulse shape discrimination capabilities of the EJ-309s allow for accurate differentiation between gamma-ray pulses and neutron pulses. The PSD is vital to correctly identify the different multiples up to the third order: n, γ, nn, nγ, γ γ, nnn, nnγ, nγ γ and γ γ γ. Previous investigation of the measurement system showed that good counting statistics can be achieved within minutes for spontaneous-fission sources such as 252Cf. In this paper, we present new measurement results and corresponding Monte Carlo simulations aimed at charaterizing the measurement system. Comparison of the measured and simulated multiples count rates is discussed in detailed and a relatively good agreement on trends and count rates is found.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationIEEE Nuclear Science Symposuim and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2010
Pages1232-1238
Number of pages7
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010
Event2010 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2010 and 17th International Workshop on Room-Temperature Semiconductor X-ray and Gamma-ray Detectors, RTSD 2010 - Knoxville, TN, United States
Duration: Oct 30 2010Nov 6 2010

Publication series

NameIEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record
ISSN (Print)1095-7863

Other

Other2010 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2010 and 17th International Workshop on Room-Temperature Semiconductor X-ray and Gamma-ray Detectors, RTSD 2010
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKnoxville, TN
Period10/30/1011/6/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Radiation
  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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