Initial Characterization of a Pixelated Thermal-Neutron Detector

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this project was to develop a better understanding of the re- sponse of a pixelated thermal-neutron detector, which will be used as a thermal- neutron detector at one of the beam lines at the European Spallation Source in Lund, Sweden. The detector consists of a thin Lithium6-glass scintillator, a multi-anode photomultiplier tube and associated read-out electronics. Initial characterizations of the response to laser light and a collimated alpha-particle beam were performed in collaboration with the Department of Nuclear Physics at the University of Glasgow. The response of the prototype to the laser light was demonstrated to be reproducible. The absolute gain for each pixel provided by the manufacturer for the multi-anode photomultiplier tube was not repro- ducible. For the first time ever, the response of the prototype to a collimated alpha-particle beam was determined. Pixel-to-pixel gain variations were gain corrected using both the measured laser correction matrix and the data sheet from the manufacturer. Qualitative similarities between the results using the two calibration methods clearly exist. Further study is warranted.