miniBELEN

miniBELEN-10A: A Reconfigurable Neutron Counter for Alpha-Induced Reactions

miniBELEN-10A: A Reconfigurable Neutron Counter for Alpha-Induced Reactions with Remarkable Consistency with data

Neutrons play a critical role in various scientific fields, including nuclear astrophysics, underground physics, and nuclear technologies. However, much of the existing data on how alpha particles induce neutron emission – (alpha, n) reactions – is outdated, incomplete, or lacks precision. The MANY (Measurement of Alpha Neutron Yields) collaboration aims to address this gap by developing advanced neutron detection systems.

miniBELEN-10A:

miniBELEN-10A, is a novel neutron counter designed for the MANY project. It builds upon previous BELEN-type detectors, offering a groundbreaking advantage: reconfigurable design. This allows us to adapt the detector to various experimental needs. Instead of being limited to a single configuration, miniBELEN-10A offers the flexibility of multiple tools in one.

Most importantly, miniBELEN-10A boasts a "flat" efficiency – it can detect neutrons with nearly equal effectiveness across a broad energy range (up to 8 MeV). This flat efficiency is crucial for obtaining accurate measurements of neutron yields from (alpha, n) reactions.

How it Works:

miniBELEN-10A utilizes a key component to achieve its flat efficiency: strategically placed cadmium inserts. By carefully positioning the cadmium within the detector, neutrons of specific energies are absorbed, and the flatness of the energy response is improved.

At the heart of miniBELEN-10A lie ten helium-3 detectors, embedded within a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) moderator. The moderator slows down neutrons, making them easier to be detected with helium-3 proportional counters.

The Power of Reconfiguration:

The true strength of miniBELEN-10A lies in its reconfigurable design. The HDPE moderator, comprised of smaller blocks, can be disassembled and reassembled in different configurations. This allows us to tailor the detector's response to the specific requirements of any given experiment.

Testing and Validation:

The critical test for miniBELEN-10A came in the form of measuring the well-established neutron yields produced by the reaction between alpha particles and aluminum-27 – ²⁷Al(alpha, n)³⁰P) –. This is a well-known reaction in the scientific community, providing a benchmark for the detector's accuracy. miniBELEN-10A's measurements closely matched the data from previous experiments, demonstrating exceptional agreement within the margin of uncertainty. This successful validation confirms the detector's ability to deliver reliable and consistent results for studying (alpha, n) reactions.

key Takeaways:

• miniBELEN-10A is a versatile and efficient neutron counter for studying (alpha, n) reactions, featuring a crucial flat efficiency achieved through the use of cadmium inserts. This flat efficiency is essential for accurate yield measurements.
• Its reconfigurable design with ten helium-3 detectors makes it a valuable tool for the MANY project, allowing for adaptation to diverse experimental requirements. miniBELEN-10A essentially provides multiple detectors in one, offering a significant advantage for researchers.
• The remarkable agreement between miniBELEN-10A's data and previous results on the ²⁷Al(alpha, n)³⁰P reaction highlights its exceptional performance and strengthens confidence in its future applications.

 Future Implications:

miniBELEN-10A paves the way for more precise measurements of (alpha, n) reactions, leading to a deeper understanding of various nuclear processes. This knowledge can benefit diverse fields, from astrophysics to nuclear technology development.

Further information:

- miniBELEN: a modular neutron counter for (alpha, n) reactions, N. Mont et al.

- Commissioning of miniBELEN-10A, a moderated neutron counter with a flat efficiency for thick-target neutron yields measurements, N. Mont et al.