Scintillator Detector Characterization for $\beta $-Delayed Neutron Emission*

Previous methods to study $\beta $-delayed neutron ($\beta $DN) emission have yielded high efficiency or modest energy resolution, but not both. A new method to study $\beta $DN emission utilizes and ion trap to keep the radioactive ions effectively at rest and a series of detectors to measure the time of flight of the recoil ion and other decay radiation. A procedure and mechanism were developed to systematically characterize the position and low-energy response of the $\Delta $E-E scintillator detectors utilized with the ion trap. The mechanism was designed and subsequently used to hold various sources, including $^{\mathrm{113}}$Sn and $^{\mathrm{207}}$Bi, at a set distance from the face of the $\Delta $E scintillator, and rotate to characterize all areas of the detector.