Measurement of neutron-induced proton-production energy spectra with NE213 scintillator

Many benchmark data are required for the improvement of theoretical model implemented in a Monte Carlo code for particle transport. To acquire the benchmark data, we measured energy spectra of protons emitted from graphite, aluminum, and iron targets bombarded with continuous-energy neutrons, which enable simultaneous measurements at the incident energies from 100 to 600 MeV at a time. The neutron flux incident on the target was measured with a 238U fission ionization chamber. Protons emitted from the target were measured with three ΔE–E detectors consisting of a thin NE102A scintillator and a thick NE213 liquid scintillator. In the analysis, the pulse shape discrimination of the NE213 scintillator enable us to distinguish events for a charged particle stopping in the scintillator from events for a charged particle penetrating the scintillator. Experimental results were compared with calculations by the PHITS code coupled with the JENDL-HE file, the Bertini model implemented in the PHITS code, and the PEANUT model in the FLUKA code.

► We measured neutron-induced proton-production energy spectra. ► Pulse shape discrimination of the NE213 scintillator was useful to the analysis. ► Measured spectra were compared with calculations with the PHITS and the FLUKA codes.