A portable neutron scatter camera with isotropic sensitivity

Abstract

We describe the design and characterization of a neutron scatter camera specifically developed for the study of neutron fields (flux, energy, direction) in experimental areas of spallation facilities, where multiple neutron sources can simultaneously contribute. A combination of hardware and logic triggers provides the isotropic response required for this application. Neutron source locations are accurately reconstructed on images from a built-in 360${}^{\circ }$ panoramic camera. The full understanding of neutron fields that the device provides can be used for site selection and abatement of neutron backgrounds affecting sensitive instruments such as coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering (CE$\nu$NS) detectors to be located at the upcoming European Spallation Source.

arXiv comment10 pages, 10 figures