Study of Neutron Beam Flux in a Time-of-Flight Setup Using an Ionization Chamber

The present thesis focuses on the study of neutron beam flux in a time-of-flight (TOF) setup using an ionization chamber. The objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the operation and data analysis procedures associated with such experiments, which are conducted in high-precision facilities such as GELINA (Geel Electron LINear Accel erator). Determining the neutron flux is a fundamental step toward extracting accurate cross-section data, which play a crucial role in nuclear reaction physics and the modeling of neutron-induced processes. Neutrons are of particular scientific importance because, being electrically neutral, they can penetrate deeply into matter without experiencing electromagnetic interactions. This unique property allows them to provide valuable insights into the atomic and nuclear structure of materials. Consequently, neutron measurements have broad applications in fields such as nuclear energy, reactor safety, material analysis, medical physics, and the study of fundamental physical processes. The structure of this work follows a logical progression. It begins with an introduction to the properties of neutrons and their relevance to science and technology. Then, the time-of-flight (TOF) method is analyzed, explaining how neutron energy is determined from their travel time between the source and the detector. The operation of ionization chambers, which serve as neutron detectors, is also discussed, focusing on their signal generation and measurement principles. In the experimental section, data acquired from the GELINA facility are presented, along with the preprocessing steps applied. The analysis is carried out using the AGL and AGS software, which enable spectrum stabilization, background rejection, and correction of systematic errors. The black resonance technique is then applied to calibrate the energy spectrum and extract the actual neutron flux. The results confirm the reliability of the measurement setup and highlight the importance of timing accuracy and spectral resolution in the determination of neutron cross sections. Finally, the study summarizes the main findings and discusses potential improvements to both the experimental and data analysis methodologies for future work.