MEASUREMENT AND SIMULATION OF LIQUID SCINTILLATOR NEUTRON RESPONSE

This paper presents the results of measurements and Monte Carlo simulations to determine the response matrix of a liquid scintillation detector. The response matrix can be used in conjunction with neutron unfolding codes to determine the spectrum of the incident neutron field on the basis of the pulse height response measured by the scintillator. Knowledge of the neutron spectrum is highly desirable and cannot be obtained with the traditionally used thermal detectors. The analysis presented includes Monte Carlo simulations of the response matrix, which are compared to the measured response matrix. The simulations are performed with the MCNP-PoliMi code, which models the detector response by taking into account the light output of neutron interactions on hydrogen and carbon nuclei present in the scintillator. We also present some preliminary approaches to the neutron spectrum unfolding problem.