Two experiments involving the detection of 14 MeV neutrons.

Abstract

Part I. An existing Time-of-Flight system was improved so that 14 MeV neutrons, after striking an oxygen target, could be detected with sufficient resolution to indicate whether the state excited was at 6 or 7 MeV. The new data obtained concerning angular distributions was compared with previous data, and agreement was sought with several theoretical models. Part II. Several detection devices, suitable for a spectrometer, which could operate with neutrons up to 14 MeV of energy were tried. One of the devices, a Li6I(Eu) crystal, cooled to the temperature of liquid air, proved quite promising. Once the difficulties of obtaining a good crystal are overcome, it appears that this device is quite suitable for studying neutron induced reactions in shielding materials.