Prediction of Neutron Flux Distribution inside a Pure Carbon Moderator

Neutron captures on unstable isotopes are important for a plethora of applications including neutron-induced nucleosynthesis. Nucleosynthesis is the process that  creates new atoms from pre-existing nucleons that are more complex than the  Hydrogen atom. What we can learn from nucleosyththesis calculations is the  space-time distribution of matter in the universe as well as information on stellar  evolution. A new experimental method to determine neutron capture cross  sections are based on the moderation of high-energy neutrons in carbon  moderators. To confirm Monte-Carlo simulations that predict neutron flux  distribution, multiple gold wires were activated with different neutron spectra  within a cubical moderator made of pure carbon. The activation of the gold wire  was measured with high-purity Germanium detectors. This experiment was  conducted in conjunction with the University of Notre Dame, where the  experimental equipment for this project were utilized. Upon conducting the  experiment, the Monte-Carlo simulations were optimized to better fit the  experimental results.