Background Radiation Characterization at HFIR for Future Neutrino Experiments

A series of measurements were performed using a collimated Germanium detector at ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) in order to understand the spatial variation of the gamma field. Simulations were performed to characterize the Ge detector's energy response and efficiency. Additionally, the detector was placed inside of a layered shielding package to determine the extent by which passive shielding can reduce gamma and neutron backgrounds in the experiment hall relevant for possible CEvNS measurements. The results from these two studies are presented in this talk, along with strategies for gamma and neutron mitigation relevant for future neutrino experiments.