Precise neutron-energy measurements are required to probe the nuclear structure effects of neutron-rich nuclei, where $\beta$-delayed neutron emission becomes a dominant decay mode. The Neutron dEtector with Xn Tracking (NEXT) array has been designed and constructed to measure $\beta$-delayed neutrons with better energy resolution. The new design localizes the neutron interaction position by optically segmenting the detector along the direction of the neutron flight path, reducing the associated uncertainties in the neutron time-of-flight measurements. This significantly improves the energy resolution without losing the necessary detection efficiency. The proof-of-principle and efficiency measurements showed promising results. This article details the implementation of the neutron tracking capability of NEXT array in time-of-flight measurements.

• Received 26 July 2022
• Accepted 13 September 2022

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevC.106.044320