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SUMMARY:Compact scintillator-based neutron spectrometers for use in aviati
 on and space applications
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260521T084500Z
DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260521T090500Z
DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260624T101248Z
UID:indico-contribution-3821@indico.tlabs.ac.za
DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Miles Kidson (University of Cape Town)\nCosmic radia
 tion\, composed of Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs)\, Solar Energetic Particles
  (SEPs)\, and their associated secondary particles\, represents a recogniz
 ed radiation risk to space missions\, satellites\, and air travel. To impr
 ove risk assessment models in these contexts\, it is essential to measure 
 the various components of the radiation environment at the specific locati
 on of interest\, particularly during unexpected high-energy space weather 
 events. Secondary neutrons\, with characteristic spectral features around 
 1 MeV and 100 MeV\, are produced by cosmic ray interactions with matter an
 d contribute substantially to overall radiation exposure at flight altitud
 es and in space. Neutrons pose a particular hazard to biological tissue be
 cause they interact directly with atomic nuclei\, producing energetic\, de
 nsely ionizing recoil particles that induce DNA damage. Continuous monitor
 ing of radiation environments aboard aircraft and spacecraft using active 
 radiation detectors would provide key data for improved risk assessment.\n
 \nCurrent neutron spectrometry technologies\, such as Bonner sphere system
 s or liquid organic scintillators coupled to photomultiplier tubes\, are n
 ot well suited for use outside the laboratory. This work aims to develop a
  compact detector system based on plastic scintillators and silicon photom
 ultipliers that is robust\, portable\, and suitable for non-expert use. A 
 prototype spectrometer has been constructed for operation in high-energy n
 eutron fields. Accurate spectrometry using unfolding techniques relies on 
 well-characterized detector response functions covering the full energy ra
 nge of interest. The high-energy neutron facility at iThemba LABS in Cape 
 Town\, South Africa\, provides a unique opportunity to directly measure de
 tector response functions up to 200 MeV.\n\nWe present progress toward the
  development of a novel detector system for high-energy neutron spectromet
 ry in aviation and space environments\, as well as in accelerator faciliti
 es such as proton therapy centres. Detector design\, calibration methodolo
 gy\, and planned field testing are discussed.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.z
 a/event/139/contributions/3821/
LOCATION:NRF-iThemba LABS\, Old Faure Road\, Cape Town Auditorium
URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/139/contributions/3821/
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