Fission-fragment detector for DANCE based on thin scintillating films

A fission-fragment detector based on thin scintillating films has been built to serve as a trigger/veto detector in neutron-induced fission measurements at DANCE. The fissile material is surrounded by scintillating films providing 4π detection of the fission fragments. The scintillation photons were registered with silicon photomultipliers. A measurement of the 235U (n,f) reaction with this detector at DANCE revealed a correct time-of-flight spectrum and provided an estimate for the efficiency of the prototype detector of 11.6(7)%. Design and test measurements with the detector are described.