Design and Simulation of a Next-Generation Dual n-gamma Detector Array at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Measurements of neutron elastic and inelastic scattering remain one of the largest uncertainties in simulations of fission-driven nuclear systems. Current experimental techniques are limited by issues arising from measuring only neutrons or gammas or, in the case where both particles are measured, the relatively small number of angles current dual n-gamma detectors are capable of covering. Next-generation elpasolite detectors offer near-perfect n-gamma pulse shape discrimination across a wide array of energies and the availability of these detectors in sufficient quantities make the construction of a large, highly-segmented detector array a possibility for the first time. Preliminary studies have isolated CLYC detectors as the ideal candidate for use in measuring neutron elastic scattering. We describe the mechanical design and simulation of the next-generation dual n-gamma detector array utilizing these detectors currently under development at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Additionally, we discuss an ongoing experimental campaign utilizing CLYC detectors in conjunction with Chi-Nu’s existing array of 54 liquid scintillator detectors to measure neutron scattering on ⁹Be and ⁵⁶Fe.