Speaker
Description
The $\tau$SPECT experiment measures the free neutron lifetime by confining ultracold neutrons (UCN) in magnetic field gradients and counting the remaining neutrons after varying storage times. There are statistical and systematical changes in the yield and energy of the UCN produced by the neutron source, therefore the amount of neutrons filled into the trap in each filling cycle has to be monitored. A neutron detector has been built and installed into the experimental beamline to monitor the flux of UCN during the filling process. The charged particles resulting from the neutron capture reaction $^{10}\text{B}$ (n,$\alpha$)$^7$Li cause scintillation in a $^{10}\text{B}$-coated ZnS:Ag layer. This light is detected by silicon photomultipliers coupled in coincidence to the scintillator. A second version suited for a larger beamline diameter and with some design improvements is currently under development. Since the two detectors will be at different heights this will also give an insight in the UCN energy spectrum.
This poster will cover the detector’s design, results of measurements, as well as the idea for the improved version.
