A Compton imaging detection system for neutron resonance capture analysis at Back-n

Neutron resonance capture analysis (NRCA) is a method that utilizes the resonance structures in neutron-induced reactions to determine the elemental composition of materials. It is used for the non-destructive analysis of cultural heritage objects, archaeological artifacts, and reference materials. The back streaming white neutron facility (Back-n) of the China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) provides neutron energy ranging from eV to MeV, offering favorable beam conditions for the development of neutron resonance capture imaging (NRCI). Compton imaging is applied to achieve NRCI in this work. A series of dedicated measurements with calibrated sources and with Back-n neutron beam incident on a ^197Au sample have been carried out. The results indicate that this detector can achieve NRCI at Back-n. This work provides a foundation for nuclide identification using NRCI at the Back-n facility.