Experiments and Simulations of Correlated , Prompt Emissions in Cf - 252

Year
2014
Author(s)
S. D. Clarke - University of Michigan
S. A. Pozzi - Department of Nuclear Engineering & Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan
B. Wieger - Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan
Andreas Enqvist - University of Florida
P. Talou - Nuclear Physics Group
I. Stetcu - Nuclear Physics Group
S. Ward - epartment of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Mi chigan
E.W. Larsen - Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan
Abstract
Experiments and simulations of correlated , prompt neutron and gamma rays emissions from fission are being investigated as the search for new signatures for special nuclear material (SNM) detection and characterization continues. E xisting and new scintillator detectors with pulse shape discrimination capabilities (the ability to discriminate between neutr ons and gamma rays) are being deployed in these systems . We present the results of n ew experiments to measure these quantities , including prompt neutron - neutron and neutron - gamma ray correlations. These experiments are per formed using organic liquid scinti llators and sodium iodide detectors arranged in a ring configuration, with a Cf - 252 source at the center. This arrangement allows for the measurement of the angular distributions of emissions , as well as some energy spectroscopy. The results from these ex periments are used to improve the physics models in our Monte Carlo codes. In addition, t he results are compare d to results from the the ory of neutron and gamma ray emission in event - by - event modeling of the fission process . These observables are of interest in the development of new systems for the detection and characterization of special nuclear materials.