Measurement of the Thick-Target⁹Be(<i>p</i>,<i>n</i>) Neutron Energy Spectra

Abstract

The thick-target neutron energy spectra of the 9Be(p,n) reaction were measured at several angles for proton-bombarding energies of 3.0, 3.4, 3.7, 4.0, and 5.0 MeV. Time-of-flight techniques were used to determine the neutron energy spectra and to discriminate against background radiation. By using lithium-loaded glass scintillators and low proton pulse rate frequency, the neutron spectra have been determined at energies as low as 70 keV. The detectors were calibrated for efficiency using the neutron spectrum of the Al(d,n) reaction, which was accurately measured using fission chamber detectors.