DISTINGUISHING SPONTANEOUS FISSION NEUTRONS FROM COSMIC-RAY BACKGROUND.
We have measured the neutron spectra of cosmic-rays and a spontaneous fission emitting source (Cf-252) using a neutron double scatter spectrometer. The energy range of measurements was 0.1-10 MeV where the spectrometer efficiency is determined to be up to 8.7% depending on the separation between detection planes. Our cosmic-ray neutron spectrum measurement is in good agreement with the sea-level data reported by Goldhagen and his co-workers. In the energy range 0.1-1.0 MeV, the cosmic-ray and Cf-252 spectra are different and separable. This difference is expected from the applicable models that describe the phenomena, ''equilibrium slowing down'' (cosmic-rays) and ''Maxwellian kinetic temperature'' emission (spontaneous fission). We show that >80% of Cf-252 neutrons and <25% of cosmic-ray related neutrons are emitted in this energy range of measurement, and conclude that neutron spectroscopy provides effective ways to distinguish a fission source from the cosmic-ray background.
- Research Organization:
- BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/NNSA (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-98CH10886
- OSTI ID:
- 15009977
- Report Number(s):
- BNL--73303-2004-CP; NN4001040
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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