The response of a liquid scintillator detector to 21–100 MeV neutrons

A large volume (4 l) liquid NE213 scintillator detector for neutrons in the energy range up to 800 MeV has been calibrated using a high accuracy tagging technique at En=21,34,50,60 and 100 MeV. The experiment is described together with a discussion of the accuracy in the absolute efficiency calibration. Results are presented on total and differential detection efficiencies along with information on the underlying nuclear reactions causing the detector response, including both charged particles and γ-rays. The present results complement previous measurements for the same detector, so that an efficiency calibration now exists over an energy range of En=2–800 MeV. The empirical results are compared with a calculated energy dependence of the detector response to neutrons.