Efficiency of background suppression by tagged neutron technology

Abstract

The possibility of background suppression by spatial and time discrimination of events stipulates the potentialities of the nanosecond tagged neutron technology (NTNT) for neutron analysis. For practical application of NTNT, the multi-detector systems and high intensity (up to 1 × 108 1/s) neutron generator should be used. The total intensity of signals can exceed 1 × 106 1/s from all gamma-detectors and 1 × 107 1/s from all alpha-detectors. A preliminary "on-line" data processing by hardware sufficiently facilitates the data transmission interface and computer equipment. The basic criteria of processing (selection of useful events) are the presence of signals from alpha- and gamma-detectors in the certain time interval (tracking interval), range of gamma-ray energy and absence of foldover of the signals. The suggested architecture of data acquisition and control system is discussed. The basic components of background and factors affecting the total time resolution are examined. The preliminary results demonstrate high efficiency of NTNT for suppression of background by spatial and time discrimination of events. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.