Monte Carlo and analytical models of neutron detection with organic scintillation detectors

Abstract

This paper presents a new technique for the analysis of neutron pulse height distributions generated in an organic scintillation detector. The methodology presented can be applied to techniques such as neutron spectrum unfolding, which have a variety of applications, including nuclear nonproliferation and homeland security. The technique is based on two independent approaches: (i) the use of the MCNP-PoliMi code to simulate neutron detection on an event-by-event basis with the Monte Carlo method and (ii) an analytical approach for neutron slowing down and detection processes. We show that the total neutron pulse height response measured by the organic scintillators is given by the sum of a large number of different neutron histories, each composed of a certain number of neutron scatterings on hydrogen and/or carbon. The relative contributions of each of these histories are described for a cylindrical liquid scintillator BC-501A. Simulations and measurements of neutron pulse height distributions are essential for neutron spectrum unfolding procedures.