Ponente
Descripción
Nuclear physics research and applications require continuous research and development (R&D) in detection and data acquisition (DAQ) systems. The Nuclear Innovation Unit at CIEMAT covers a broad scientific program on neutron-induced reaction cross-section measurements (capture, fission, and charged particle production), $\beta$-delayed neutron emission, ($\alpha$,n) reaction studies, and is also involved in applications such as the characterization of nuclear waste and neutron dosimetry.
We have developed over the years several kinds of detectors based on scintillators. In the field of neutron detection and spectroscopy, we have designed and built the liquid scintillator-based MOdular Neutron time-of-flight SpectromeTER (MONSTER) for decay and reaction studies.
Regarding neutron capture cross-section measurements, the R&D has been focused on inorganic scintillators for calorimetry and organic scintillators for $\gamma$-ray detection. A new concept based on segmented total energy detectors, capable of operating at high counting rates, has been developed and applied successfully at the world-leading n_TOF facility at CERN. In the same line of research, the use of high-efficiency organic scintillator arrays is being revisited, for increasing the sensitivity while not degrading the overall detector performance. Last, but not least, the experience acquired in $\gamma$-ray calorimetry with inorganic scintillators is currently being applied in a research project with the nuclear industry, for the construction of a high-performance low and intermediate-level waste characterization system.
In this talk, we will present technical details on the R&D carried out and some ongoing activities in scintillation detector developments.
