Towards the next generation of detectors for n-γ capture reactions at n_TOF (CERN)

Abstract

Benzene-d6 has been the scintillation material of choice for performing most of the neutron-capture cross-section measurements at CERN n_TOF for more than 20 years. Recently a revamping of solidstate Stilbene scintillators has been justified by their good timing performances, lack of toxicity and excellent neutron-gamma discrimination by Pulse-Shape Analysis. Consequently, several measurements were recently performed at the n_TOF facility at CERN and INFN-Catania to characterize their performance. We benchmarked both regular and deuterated stilbene scintillation crystals in EAR2@CERN. Based on these results, we are developing and designing a new generation of detectors with enhanced detection sensitivity and improved safety and maintenance conditions.