Simulation study of the response of a highly sensitive silver-activation detector for neutron detection using MCNP code

Abstract

In this paper, simulations were carried out using Monte-Carlo N-Particle MCNP-4C code to determine the energy dependence of the response of a highly sensitive silver-activation detector used for fast-neutron detection after moderated to thermal neutrons. The detector consists of sandwiched alternating thin-sheets of silver and crystal scintillator Anthracene. The simulations also had considered different materials and designs to get the most efficient design for detecting signals from fast-neutrons interactions with the active materials (silver) and the scintillator. The energy and charge depositions of photons and electrons created by fast-neutron interactions with detector within the detection-cell were simulated for different scenarios. Owing on the simulations, a method to maximize the response by modifying the design was identified. The optimal configurations are suitable for a wide range of monitoring and detecting neutron sources especially for big detectors implemented for security purposes, where the costs and weighs can be reduced significantly.