The Simulation of a Novel Fast Neutron Portal Monitor and the Development of TexCAAM, the Texas CsI Array for Astrophysical Measurements

Abstract

The field of nuclear physics relies heavily on the innovation of detectors. Development of a next-generation fast-neutron detector with high position and timing resolution is essential for the advancement of nuclear science and applications. In particular, new neutron detection technologies may improve the regulation of dangerous materials such as highly enriched uranium (HEU) and weapons-grade plutonium (WGPu). Current generation portal monitors have limited sensitivity and usually do not utilize advantages that come with position sensitivity. Also, since the existing systems are normally based on the detection of thermal neutrons, active interrogation techniques with low energy neutron beams cannot be implemented. They also rely on increasingly expensive and rare 3He. By designing a highly-segmented array of organic scintillators, we posit that we can overcome the limitations of the current-generation detectors as well as accurately and quickly identify these hard to detect fissile materials. Simulations and analyses were conducted as a proof-of-principle investigation to test the viability of this next-generation neutron detector.

Another innovation is the development of a detector apparatus that allows for the study of sub-Coulomb α-transfer reactions, the Texas CsI Array for Astrophysical Measurements (TexCAAM). TexCAAM has been constructed in efforts to bring sub-Coulomb α-transfer reaction study capabilities through γ-ray spectroscopy to the Cyclotron Institute at Texas A&M University using radioactive ion beams. The development of this array has opened the possibilities to study questions such as the reaction rates of the hot-pp chain. This particular study may influence our understanding of the early universe and how the first generation of stars evolved, producing the necessary elements to create the current universal landscape and provide us with the elemental cradle of life. The full development of TexCAAM has provided the capabilities to study such reactions, among others.