Optimization of a fast neutron scintillator for real-time pulse shape discrimination in the transient reactor test facility (TREAT) hodoscope

We present a multi-channel, fast-neutron/photon detection system that uses ZnS(Ag) scintillator detectors. The system employs field-programmable gate arrays to pulse-shape analysis for real-time all-digital neutron/photon differentiation, producing particle-dependent pulse height and temporal distributions while allowing count rates in excess of 1,000,000 events per second per channel. The system size is scalable in blocks of 16 channels.