Introduction
This activity involves the use of a tabletop test bed that utilises Silicon PhotoMultipliers (SiPMs) and scintillators to assess the Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) capabilities of the scintillator using a mixed neutron and gamma source. For a description of the physics processes relating to the emission of light from scintillators the reader is directed to Organic Scintillators for Fast Neutron Detection1. For a very complete overview on SiPMs the reader is directed to The SiliconPhoto-Multiplier Status and Perspectives The learning outcomes of this lab are:
- Understanding of data collection using a digitizer.
- Fitting models to data using lmfit (python library).
- Understanding of metrics used to assess PSD.
Activities
The lab write-up can be found here, and the Overleaf LaTeX source can be found here.
Lab Kit Inventory
The lab kit includes the following:
- CAEN DT5751 digitizer (https://www.caen.it/products/dt5751/) (software https://www.caen.it/products/caenscope/)
- 6by6 onsemi J-series 60035 SiPM array (https://www.onsemi.com/pdf/datasheet/microj-series-d.pdf)
- 6mm3 EJ-204 and EJ-276D scintillators (https://eljentechnology.com/products/plastic-scintillators/ej-200-ej-204-ej-208-ej-212, no datasheet for EJ-276D)
- Optical grease
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Power supply (required voltage of 30 V)
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A box with scintillators, SiPM, and source holder.
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Connections for power and signal will be provided.
Not supplied but required for the activity (host institute must supply):
- Mixed neutron and gamma source (AmBe, Cf252 as examples)
