i-TED: A novel concept for high-sensitivity (n,$\gamma$) cross section measurements

Abstract

A new method for measuring \ngr cross sections aiming at enhanced signal-to-background ratio is presented. This new approach is based on the combination of the pulse-height weighting technique with a total energy detection system that features $\gamma$-ray imaging capability (i-TED). The latter allows one to exploit Compton imaging techniques to discriminate between true capture $\gamma$-rays arising from the sample under study and background $\gamma$-rays coming from contaminant neutron (prompt or delayed) captures in the surrounding environment. A general proof-of-concept detection system for this application is presented in this article together with a description of the imaging method and a conceptual demonstration based on Monte Carlo simulations.