Calibration methodology for near-field neutron sensitivity of large-scale plastic scintillators

Cheng Ziyun; Yi Yicheng; Li Bojun; Hao Shuai; Song Zhaohui; Li Gang

doi:10.11884/HPLPB202537.250201

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Cheng Ziyun, Yi Yicheng, Li Bojun, et al. Calibration methodology for near-field neutron sensitivity of large-scale plastic scintillators[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202537.250201

Citation:

Cheng Ziyun, Yi Yicheng, Li Bojun, et al. Calibration methodology for near-field neutron sensitivity of large-scale plastic scintillators[J]. High Power Laser and Particle Beams. doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202537.250201

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Calibration methodology for near-field neutron sensitivity of large-scale plastic scintillators

doi: 10.11884/HPLPB202537.250201

Cheng Ziyun^1
,,
Yi Yicheng^{1, 2
,
,},
Li Bojun³,
Hao Shuai¹,
Song Zhaohui¹,
Li Gang¹

1.
Northwest Institute of Nuclear Technology, Xi’an 710024, China
2.
Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
3.
Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry, CAEP, Mianyang 621999, China

Received Date: 2025-07-07
Accepted Date: 2025-08-22
Rev Recd Date: 2025-08-28

Available Online: 2025-09-09

Abstract

Abstract

Background
In near-field pulsed neutron measurements (＜1 m), large-sized plastic scintillators (Φ100 mm × 100 mm) exhibit neutron sensitivity deviation due to geometric discrepancies between calibration and measurement, and the inverse-square law has limited applicability under close-proximity conditions, hindering accurate metrology.
Purpose
To address this deviation, reduce systematic errors from traditional single-point calibration, and extend neutron sensitivity calibration range, this study proposes a dual-extrapolation dynamic calibration method combining experimental extrapolation with Monte Carlo (MC) simulation.
Methods
An MC model was established to quantify distance’s effect on sensitivity, and a scattering background extrapolation method was developed via near-field experiments for close-proximity sensitivity measurement.
Results
MC results show source-to-detector distance ＜80 cm significantly impacts sensitivity, with an 8.44% correction factor at 20 cm; experiments validated simulation accuracy.
Conclusions
This method effectively mitigates sensitivity deviation, clarifies the inverse-square law’s limitations under close proximity, extends calibration scope, and provides a new technical pathway for precise neutron metrology in harsh environments like pulsed reactor transient diagnostics and fusion devices.
- Plastic scintillator,
- Pulsed neutron detection,
- Neutron sensitivity calibration,
- Inverse square law

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References(16)

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