Scintillating bolometers for fast neutron spectroscopy in rare events searches

Abstract

Neutrons are a relevant background in rare events physics. Detectors based on fast neutron-induced nuclear reactions are commonly used for fast neutron spectroscopy. In this subject, scintillating bolometers provide an excellent energy resolution and particle discrimination by the simultaneous measurement of the heat and emitted light. Our group has constructed several 6Li and 10B based massive scintillating bolometers (LiF, Li 6Eu(BO3)3, Li6Gd(BO 3)3), with energy resolutions ranging from 16 to 200 keV. First results of a 32 gr 6LiF scintillating bolometer enriched at 95% in 6Li operated at 20 mK are presented. The use of this material in a multi-target cryogenic dark matter experiment, like EURECA, would allow monitoring the incident neutron flux in the detector during the data-taking.