Prediction of Neutron Flux Distribution inside a Pure Carbon Moderator

Neutron captures on unstable isotopes are important for a plethora of applications including neutron-induced nucleosynthesis. Nucleosynthesis is the process that creates new atoms from pre-existing nucleons that are more complex than the Hydrogen atom. What we can learn from nucleosyththesis calculations is the space-time distribution of matter in the universe as well as information on stellar evolution. A new experimental method to determine neutron capture cross sections are based on the moderation of high-energy neutrons in carbon moderators. To confirm Monte-Carlo simulations that predict neutron flux distribution, multiple gold wires were activated with different neutron spectra within a cubical moderator made of pure carbon. The activation of the gold wire was measured with high-purity Germanium detectors. This experiment was conducted in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame, where the experimental equipment for this project were utilized. Upon conducting the experiment, the Monte-Carlo simulations were optimized to better fit the experimental results.