Simulation and prototyping of 2 m long resistive plate chambers for detection of fast neutrons and multi–neutron event identification

Resistive plate chamber (RPC) prototypes of 2 m length were simulated and built. The experimental tests using a 31 MeV electron beam, discussed in details, showed an efficiency higher than 90% and an excellent time resolution of around σ=100 ps. Furthermore, comprehensive simulations were performed by Geant4 toolkit in order to study the possible use of these RPCs for fast neutron (200 MeV–1 GeV) detection and multi–neutron event identification. The validation of simulation parameters was carried out via a comparison to experimental data. A possible setup for invariant mass spectroscopy of multiple neutron emission is presented and the characteristics are discussed. The results show that the setup has a high detection efficiency and is capable of determining the momentum of the outgoing neutrons and reconstructing the relative energy between the fragments from nuclear reactions.