Position-sensitive detection of ultracold neutrons with an imaging camera and its implications to spectroscopy

Wanchun Wei, L. J. Broussard, M. A. Hoffbauer, M. Makela, C. L. Morris, Z. Tang, E. R. Adamek, N. B. Callahan, S. M. Clayton, C. Cude-Woods, S. Currie, E. B. Dees, X. Ding, P. Geltenbort, K. P. Hickerson, A. T. Holley, T. M. Ito, K. K. Leung, C. Y. Liu, D. J. MorleyJose D. Ortiz, R. W. Pattie, J. C. Ramsey, A. Saunders, S. J. Seestrom, E. I. Sharapov, S. K. Sjue, J. Wexler, T. L. Womack, A. R. Young, B. A. Zeck, Zhehui Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Position-sensitive detection of ultracold neutrons (UCNs) is demonstrated using an imaging charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. A spatial resolution less than 15μm has been achieved, which is equivalent to a UCN energy resolution below 2 pico-electron-volts through the relation δE=m0gδx. Here, the symbols δE, δx, m0 and g are the energy resolution, the spatial resolution, the neutron rest mass and the gravitational acceleration, respectively. A multilayer surface convertor described previously is used to capture UCNs and then emits visible light for CCD imaging. Particle identification and noise rejection are discussed through the use of light intensity profile analysis. This method allows different types of UCN spectroscopy and other applications.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)36-43
Number of pages8
JournalNuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research, Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Volume830
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 11 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Imaging detector
  • Multilayer B surface detector
  • UCN spectroscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Instrumentation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Position-sensitive detection of ultracold neutrons with an imaging camera and its implications to spectroscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this