Novel Approach to β-Delayed Neutron Spectroscopy
Abstract
Characterizing β-delayed neutron emission (βn) is of importance to reactor safety modeling, r-process nucleosynthesis calculations, and nuclear structure studies. A newly developed recoil-ion detection technique avoids the difficulties associated with direct neutron detection, enabling precise measurements of βn branching ratios and neutron energy spectra. Ions of interest are studied using the Beta-decay Paul Trap (BPT), an open-geometry ion trap surrounded by an array of radiation detectors. The neutron energy can be determined from the recoil imparted to the detected ions following βn decay. Branching ratios are deduced by detecting β particles, γ rays, and ions. The apparatus was used in a recent experimental campaign at the CARIBU facility at ANL to collect high-quality data on the β decay of trapped 137-138,140I, 144-145Cs, and 134-136Sb ions.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the Conference on Advances in Radioactive Isotope Science (ARIS2014
- Pub Date:
- 2015
- DOI:
- 10.7566/JPSCP.6.030007
- Bibcode:
- 2015aris.confc0007C