2023/08/08 by Flynn B. Darby, Michael Y. Hua, Darby, Flynn B. +7
Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Nuclear Physics and Applications #Particle Detector Development and Performance #Physics Education (physics.ed-ph) #Radiation Detection and Scintillator Technologies
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2308.06282
openalex publication_date 2023/08/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
In this advanced instructional laboratory, students explore complex detection systems and nondestructive assay techniques used in the field of nuclear physics. After setting up and calibrating a neutron detection system, students carry out timing and energy deposition analyses of radiation signals. Through the timing of prompt fission neutron signals, multiplicity counting is used to carry out a special nuclear material (SNM) nondestructive assay. Our experimental setup is comprised of eight trans-stilbene organic scintillation detectors in a well-counter configuration, and measurements are taken on a spontaneous fission source as well as two (α,n) sources. By comparing each source's measured multiplicity distribution, the resulting measurements of the (α,n) sources can be distinguished from that of the spontaneous fission source. Such comparisons prevent the spoofing, i.e., intentional imitation, of a fission source by an (α,n) neutron source. This instructional laboratory is designed for nuclear engineering and physics students interested in organic scintillators, neutron sources, and nonproliferation radiation measurement techniques.