Simulation of 500 MeV neutrons by using NaCl doped Water Cherenkov detector

Abstract

In this work we show the capabilities of a water Cherenkov detector (WCD) to detect high energy neutrons. We present the simulation of the response of a doped WCD to 500 MeV monochromatic neutrons using Geant4. To do this, a detailed model of the WCD has been implemented. The active volume of the detector is composed of pure water and different concentrations of a 35Cl based additive. The addition of this dopant shows an enhancement in the detection of high energetic neutrons. The sensitivity of this detector to neutrons achieved in our simulations is a relevant result for cosmic rays and space weather studies.