Detection of Neutrons with a Large Liquid Scintillation Counter

Abstract

A cylindrical liquid scintillation counter, 75 cm in diameter and 75 cm high has been used for the detection of neutrons, gamma rays, and cosmic ray μ mesons. A delayed coincidence technique has been used to detect neutrons; the first pulse corresponding to a recoil proton or other associated event, the second pulse due to neutron capture in cadmium. The capture rate of neutrons in a solution containing toluene and cadmium has been calculated as a function of the cadmium to hydrogen ration by the Monte Carlo method and an experimental check performed. Detector design considerations and some possible uses are described.