Neutron cross-talk rejection in a modular array and the detection of halo neutrons

Experiments involving neutron-rich radioactive beams often require a high detection efficiency for neutron pairs within a small solid angle. The rejection of cross-talk events under such conditions has been studied for a modular detector array and the optimum array configuration investigated. In parallel, a new algorithm for the rejection of cross-talk events has been developed. By grouping detectors into clusters corresponding to a single-incident neutron, high multiplicity (M-n greater than or equal to 2) events may be recognized. Results from Monte-Carlo simulations demonstrating the performances of the algorithm are presented. Finally, the application to two-neutron interferometry measurements for halo nuclei is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.