Background identification and suppression for the measurement of (n, γ) reactions with the DANCE array at LANSCE

In the commissioning phase of the DANCE project (Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments) measurements have been performed with special emphasis on the identification and suppression of possible backgrounds for the planned (n,gamma) experiments. This report describes several background sources, observed in the experiment or anticipated from simulations, which will need to be suppressed in this and in similar detectors that are planned at other facilities. First successes are documented in the suppression of background from scattered neutrons captured in the detector as well as from the internal radiation. Experimental results and simulations using the GEANT code are compared. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.