Interactions of Neutrons with Matter

Abstract

Neutrons, by virtue of their neutrality, are indirectly ionizing radiation exhibiting a quasi-exponential penetration into an absorber and depositing energy in the absorber through a two-step process: (1) energy transfer to heavy charged particles and (2) energy deposition in the absorber through Coulomb interactions of these charged particles with atoms of the absorber. As they penetrate into matter, neutrons may undergo elastic and inelastic scattering as well as trigger nuclear reactions, such as neutron capture, spallation, and fission.