Multiple-scattering Corrections to Measurements of the Prompt Fission Neutron Spectrum

The Chi-Nu project, conducted jointly by LANL and LLNL, aims to measure the shape of the prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) for fission of 239Pu induced by neutrons from 50 keV to 15 MeV with accuracies of 3–5% in the outgoing energy from 50 keV to 9 MeV and 15% from 9 to 15 MeV. In order to meet this goal, detailed Monte Carlo simulations are being used to assess the importance and effect of every component in the experimental configuration. As part of this effort, we have also simulated some past PFNS measurements to identify possible sources of systematic error. We find that multiple scattering plays an important role in the target geometry, collimators, and detector response and that past experiments probably underestimated the extent of this effect.