Neutron total cross-section measurements with the 6Li-ZnS(Ag) scintillator (BC702) employing a neutron and noise separation technique

Abstract

The neutron total cross-section of natural Dy has been measured in the energy region from 0.01 to 100 eV by using the neutron time-of-flight method at Pohang Neutron Facility, which consists of an electron linear accelerator, a water-cooled Ta target with a water moderator, and a timeof- flight path with an 11-m length. A 6Li-ZnS(Ag) scintillator with a diameter of 12.5 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm has been used as a neutron detector, and a metallic Dy plate has been used for the neutron transmission measurement. The background level has been determined by using notch filters of Co, Ta, and Cd sheets. In order to reduce the gamma rays from bremsstrahlung and from neutron capture, we have employed a neutron-gamma separation system based on their different pulse shapes.