GEANT4 simulations of the DANCE array

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section B, Beam interactions with materials and atoms Beam interactions with materials and atoms, 2007-08, Vol.261 (1-2), p.1117-1121
• Main Authors: Jandel, M., Bredeweg, T.A., Couture, A., Fowler, M.M., Bond, E.M., Chadwick, M.B., Clement, R.R.C., Esch, E.-I., O’Donnell, J.M., Reifarth, R., Rundberg, R.S., Ullmann, J.L., Vieira, D.J., Wilhelmy, J.B., Wouters, J.M., Macri, R.A., Wu, C.Y., Becker, J.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actinides; Cross section; GEANT4; Neutron capture; Neutron induced fission; γ-Ray calorimetry
• ISSN: 0168-583X; 1872-9584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2007.04.252

The detector for advanced neutron capture experiments (DANCE) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is used for neutron capture cross sections measurements. Its high granularity of 160 BaF2 detectors in a 4π geometry allows for highly efficient detection of prompt γ-rays following a neutron capture. The performance of the detector was simulated using the GEANT4 Monte Carlo code. The model includes all 160 BaF2 crystals with realistic dimensions and geometry. The 6LiH shell, beam pipe, crystal wrapping material, aluminum holders, photomultiplier material and materials of the calibration sources were included in the simulation. Simulated γ-ray energy and total γ-ray energy spectra gated on cluster and crystal multiplicities were compared to measured data using 88Y, 60Co, 22Na calibration sources. Good agreement was achieved. A total efficiency and peak-to-total ratio as a function of γ-ray energy was established for mono-energetic γ-rays.