Response of a nitrogen-filled spherical proportional counter to mono-energetic neutrons

Abstract

Neutron spectroscopy is an invaluable tool for a wide range of scientific and industrial applications, however, current approaches suffer from limitations that restrict their field of applicability. A safe and inexpensive alternative approach to neutron detection and spectroscopy is the use of a nitrogen-filled spherical proportional counter that exploits the ${}^{14}{\mathrm{N}(\mathrm{n},\mathrm{p})}^{14}\mathrm{C}$ and ${}^{14}\mathrm{N}(\mathrm{n},\alpha {)}^{11}\mathrm{B}$ reactions. The neutron spectroscopy capabilities of the detector are demonstrated using beams of mono-energetic neutrons. A nitrogen-filled spherical proportional counter, operating at a pressure of $1$ bar, is exposed to neutrons with energies from $0.75$ MeV to $2.75$ MeV at the Tandem accelerator of the National Centre for Scientific Research ``Demokritos'' in Athens. A linear energy response is observed, within the statistical precision of the measurements.

11 pages, 12 figures