GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation response of parallel plate avalanche counter for fast neutrons detection

In the present study, GEANT4 based Monte Carlo codes have been employed to evaluate parallel plate avalanche counter (PPAC) response for fast neutron detection. In order to detect fast neutrons, a thin polyethylene layer is coated on the surface of the electrode of the PPAC. Neutrons entering the converter produce protons which enter the counter and are detected. Fast neutrons in the energy range of 4.0 MeV–20.0 MeV have been transported onto the PPAC surface using GEANT4 MC code. The performance of the PPAC counter has been evaluated by means of simulation by employing QGSP_BERT_HP and QGSP_BIC_HP physics lists. The detection efficiencies of polyethylene-coated PPAC are 1.69 × 10−2 and 1.86 × 10−2 using converter thickness of 1 mm and 2 mm, respectively. The obtained results are discussed in detail.

► We simulated parallel plate avalanche counter for evaluating the response for fast neutron detection, using GEANT4 MC code.
► For this purpose, a thin polyethylene layer is coated on the electrode of the PPAC.
► Neutrons entering the converter produce electrons and protons which enter the counter and are detected.
► The performance of the PPAC has been tested by QGSP_BERT_HP and QGSP_BIC_HP physics lists.
► The higher response from the PPAC predicts that such converter-based PPAC is suitable for the detection of fast neutrons.