Source-specific neutron detection efficiencies of the Tamu neutron ball

Abstract

In this paper, we report neutron detection efficiencies for the TAMU Neutron Ball located at the Cyclotron Institute at Texas A&M University. The results discussed are for symmetric reactions of 70Zn, 64Zn and 64Ni at a beam energy of 35 MeV/nucleon. The overall neutron detection efficiency was found to be approximately 70%. We also briefly discuss the process of quasi-projectile (QP) reconstruction. The HIPSE-SIMON reaction simulation and de-excitation code is used in conjunction with a software filter which simulates the geometric and energetic acceptances of the Neutron Ball to provide QT (quasi-target) and QP-specific neutron detection efficiencies. These source-specific efficiencies can be used to estimate the number of free neutrons to associate with the QP during reconstruction of experimental data. With this information it is possible to study the decay processes of well-defined, exotic forms of nuclear matter.