Characterization and development of an active scintillating target for nuclear reaction studies on actinides

This article presents the development of a new kind of active actinide target, based on organic liquid scintillators containing the dissolved isotope. Amongst many advantages one can mention the very high detection efficiency, the Pulse Shape Discrimination capability, the fast response allowing high count rates and good time resolution and the ease of fabrication. The response of this target to fission fragments has been studied. The discrimination of alpha, fission and proton recoil events is demonstrated. The alpha decay and fission detection efficiencies are simulated and compared to measurements. Finally the use of such a target in the context of fast neutron induced reactions is discussed.

► Loaded organic liquid scintillator as active actinide target.
► The scintillator response to fission fragments is studied.
► The pulse shape discrimination allows to separate beta, alpha, protons and fission fragments.
► The very high fission detection efficiency provides very efficient fission veto.
► Very precise counts for alpha particles and fission events can be used for very precise fission cross section measurements.