The SND@LHC neutron shielding


Zamora-Saa J. A., Abbaneo D., Ahmad S., Albanese R., Alexandrov A., Alicante F., ...Daha Fazla

JOURNAL OF INSTRUMENTATION, cilt.20, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 20
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1088/1748-0221/20/12/t12002
  • Dergi Adı: JOURNAL OF INSTRUMENTATION
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, Index Islamicus, INSPEC
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır

Özet

This paper presents the design, construction, and simulation-based validation of the ColdBox, a combined neutron shielding and insulating enclosure for the Scattering and Neutrino Detector at the LHC (SND@LHC). The emulsion films in the detector's target region require protection from the intense neutron radiation background and a stable environment of 15 +/- 1 degrees C and 50-55% relative humidity for long-term stability. The ColdBox meets these requirements through a dual-layer structure: an external 5 cm plexiglass wall to moderate fast neutrons, and an internal 4 cm layer of borated polyethylene (with 35% boron content) to capture thermal neutrons. The mechanical design, based on a robust aluminum frame, accommodates the constraints of the TI18 tunnel. FLUKA simulations were used to optimize the shielding configuration, showing a significant reduction in the neutron flux, with a simulated ratio of shielded to unshielded thermal neutron fluence of 2.3 x 10(-3). This result is consistent with initial measurements from BatMon detectors. The design also provides a sealed volume for a cooling system to maintain the required temperature and humidity, ensuring the necessary conditions for the emulsion films' integrity.