Abstract
The Versatile Array of Neuron Detectors at Low Energy (VANDLE) is a new, highly
ecient plastic-scintillator array constructed for decay and transfer reaction exper3
imental setups that require neutron detection. It is comprised of three di erent
sized EJ-200 scintillating-plastic bars (3 x 3 x 60 cm3, 3 x 6 x 120 cm3, and 5 x 5
x 200 cm3). The neutron energy and prompt-photon discrimination is determined
through the time of
ight technique. The versatile and modular design allows for
customizable experimental setups including beta-delayed neutron spectroscopy and
(d,n) transfer reactions in normal and inverse kinematics. By incorporating fully
digital electronics for the data acquisition and triggering logic, the smaller VAN10
DLE modules can achieve an intrinsic eciency over 70% for 300-keV neutrons.
The hardware threshold for the light deposited in the bar is near 8 keVee. This is
low enough to measure and characterize the light response curve from elastically
scattered carbon nuclei inside the scintillating plastic from incident neutrons with
kinetic energies below 2 MeV.