Direct calibration of neutron detectors for laser-driven nuclear reaction experiments with a gated neutron source.

This article focuses on the development and evaluation of a direct calibration method for neutron scintillation detectors using a gated fission neutron source of ^252Cf in laser-driven nuclear reaction experiments. The method employs a combined Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) and Time of Flight (TOF) gating technique to effectively reduce gamma-ray background interference, improving the accuracy and confidence in neutron yield measurements for both liquid (EJ301) and plastic (BC420) scintillators. Compared to traditional calibration approaches—direct neutron beam and indirect Compton edge methods—the gated fission neutron source method achieves lower uncertainties and cleaner neutron signal discrimination, making it particularly suitable for high-intensity laser environments where fast neutron fluxes and electromagnetic pulse interference pose challenges. The study demonstrates that this calibration approach can be widely applied to laser-driven nuclear physics experiments, offering enhanced precision in neutron detection and yield quantification.