Prototyping Silicon Photomultiplier Arrays For The Next Generation Neutron (NGn) Detector

The Modular Neutron Array (MoNA) collaboration studies exotic neutron rich nuclei at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams and is currently designing a next generation neutron detector. The detector will have improved position resolution compared to existing neutron detectors by using plastic scintillator tiles backed by an array of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) in close proximity. In this work, prototype neutron detectors were developed and tested with cosmic rays to help make informed design decisions for the final detector. As part of this work, printed circuit boards (PCB) that connected to SiPMs via an SMTPA adapter were designed in Fusion 360 and assembled in conjunction with other PCB types to create prototype modular detector arrays. Additionally, Geant 4 simulations were run to compare to data of the prototype detectors. Preliminary experimental and simulated data are being compared for different configurations of SiPM densities, reflective wrapping around the scintillator, and optical coupling between the SiPMs and scintillator to finalize the design of the next generation neutron detector.