Neutron Detection from Muon induced Fission

"STFC Boulby is a prime location for conducting low background exeperiments, e.g. for the detection of neutrinos and dark matter. While the rock overburden and the nature of the rock already provide a low background environment, cosmogenic neutrons provide a serious background for the detection of rare events triggered by neutral particles, hampering the sensitivity of neutrino detection experiments (like BUTTON and its planned successors), dark matter experiments (DarkSphere, XLZD) or searches for neutrino less double beta decay.

In addition, cosmogenic neutrons might provide a sensitive tool to identify special nuclear materials in safeguarding applications. The detection of one or more neutrons in coincidence with a cosmic ray muon will provide a strong indication of the presence of SNM on the one hand, but will also allow to realistically assess the cosmic induced neutron background for the current and future underground experiments planned at Boulby mine.

The thesis will combine novel detector technologies with modern analysis and simulation algorithms to provide a precise picture of the neutron background in Boulby and an assessment of the feasibility of using muon induced neutron data for nuclear threat reduction.

The work will be conducted at the University of Glasgow and the STFC Boulby Underground Laboratory. STFC Boulby will provide training and access to its underground facilities. The project is embedded in the efforts of the BUTTON Collaboration. "