Validating Inverse Beta Decay Response of PROSPECT with an AmBe correlated neutron source*

The Precision Reactor Oscillation and Spectrum Experiment, PROSPECT, at Oak Ridge National Lab is designed to search for short-range oscillations and measure the spectrum of antineutrinos from a nearly pure U235 core. To achieve this goal, careful characterization of the detector and any systematic effects from its components and composition must be carried out and compensated for, particularly given the high background level from the detector’s surface position. To assist with this effort, an AmBe source has recently been procured and deployed within the PROSPECT detector to serve as a neutron, gamma, and combined neutron-gamma source, allowing a variety of calibrations to be carried out with one source and providing a good analog to IBD events for validating predicted IBD efficiency. We present analysis results from a recent deployment in the PROSPECT detector.