14 MeV neutron detection characteristics using Intercast detector

Abstract Neutron detection with a stack of two detector foils of CR-39 (intercast) was studied. A comparison between the experimental results (exposure to 14.8 MeV neutrons) and the results of a computer simulation was performed. Emphasis was given to the detection of α particles—products of the break-up reaction of the 12 C nucleus—and to heavier recoil nuclei. The detectors were chemically etched and analysed with an automatic counting system. All detector surfaces were analysed, and the coincidence tracks produced by the same particles on detector surfaces in contact were determined. These tracks facilitate characterization of the type and energy of the recoil nuclei. Further separation was made on the basis of the distribution of size and darkness of the tracks.