Study of neutron response and n–γ discrimination by charge comparison method for small liquid scintillation detector

The study of the neutron response and n–γ discrimination for small 18×26×8 mm3 liquid scintillator BC501A (Bicron) detector was carried out by digital charge comparison method. Three ranges of neutron energies were used: uniform distribution from 0.95–1.23 MeV, continuous spectra of AmBe source and monoenergetic 16.2 MeV neutrons. The obtained results are compared with those of cylindrical liquid scintillation detector (40 mm diameter, 60 mm length) at the same energies of neutrons. A dramatic fall of the neutron response function at 400 keVee for small detector at 16.2 MeV neutron energy was measured. For 0.95–1.23 MeV neutron energy range such fall takes place at 260 keVee. The greater slope of neutron locus at 0.95–1.23 MeV neutron energy compared to 16.2 MeV for both detectors is explained by longer tail of pulse from proton recoils within 0.1–1.23 MeV energy range.