Analysis of neutron time-of-flight spectra with a Bayesian unfolding methodology

Abstract

We have developed an innovative methodology for obtaining the neutron energy distribution from a time-of-flight (TOF) measurement based on the iterative Bayesian unfolding method and accurate Monte Carlo simulations. This methodology has been validated through the analysis of a realistic virtual $\beta$-decay experiment, including the most relevant systematic effects in a real experiment. The proposed methodology allowed for obtaining accurate results over the energy range above the neutron detection threshold.