Total characterization of neutron detectors with a 252Cf source and a new light output determination

A full characterization of neutron detector properties was achieved by means of a 252Cf source with timing of fission events. The input neutron energies were separated with the time-of-flight technique. The pulse height, the pulse shape and the time-of-flight spectra were measured in coincidence mode as three-dimensional distributions. On the basis of these data, the following characteristics were determined for each detector: response function, light output versus proton (neutron) energy, energy resolution function for neutron energies from 1 to 7 MeV, time shift correction, and finally the detector efficiency from threshold up to 12 MeV. The experimental results were compared with Monte-Carlo simulations. Two new analytical dependencies are suggested for the light output calculation for electrons and protons.