In-beam gamma rays of CSNS Back-n characterized by black resonance filter

Abstract

The back-streaming white-neutron beamline (Back-n) of the China Spallation Neutron Source is an essential neutron-research platform built for the study of nuclear data, neutron physics, and neutron applications. Many types of cross-sectional neutron-reaction measurements have been performed at Back-n since early 2018. These measurements have shown that a significant number of gamma rays can be transmitted to the experimental stations of Back-n along with the neutron beam. These gamma rays, commonly referred to as in-beam gamma rays, can induce a non-negligible experimental background in neutron-reaction measurements. Studying the characteristics of in-beam gamma rays is important for understanding the experimental background. However, measuring in-beam gamma rays is challenging because most gamma-ray detectors are sensitive to neutrons; thus, discriminating between neutron-induced signals and those from in-beam gamma rays is difficult. In this study, we propose the use of the black resonance filter method and a \(\hbox {CeBr}_{3}\) scintillation detector to measure the characteristics of the in-beam gamma rays of Back-n. Four types of black resonance filters, ¹⁸¹Ta, ⁵⁹Co, ^natAg, and ^natCd, were used in this measurement. The time-of-flight (TOF) technique was used to select the detector signals remaining in the absorption region of the TOF spectra, which were mainly induced by in-beam gamma rays. The energy distribution and flux of the in-beam gamma rays of Back-n were determined by analyzing the deposited energy spectra of the \(\hbox {CeBr}_{3}\) scintillation detector and using Monte Carlo simulations. Based on the results of this study, the background contributions from in-beam gamma rays in neutron-reaction measurements at Back-n can be reasonably evaluated, which is beneficial for enhancing both the experimental methodology and data analysis.