Neutron Interaction Simulations with SiPMs

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) are a newer technology for converting photons produced from a scintillating crystal into electrical signals. Unlike past technologies, they are not affected by magnetic fields, are smaller, and are less expensive. Augustana College, as part of a Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) Collaboration with the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University, is helping design a next-generation neutron detector that uses SiPMs with neutron detection to increase reaction position detection capabilities to unlock new understandings in atomic nuclei. A critical part of the development process is understanding how to simulate these devices. We used data recorded at Triangle Universities Nuclear Laboratory (TUNL) using a test detector. These data were compared to a simulation developed within GEANT4. The data and simulation were analyzed using the ROOT software package, which allows for more in-depth analysis and comparison. The simulation process, current progress, and future plans will be presented.