Prediction and experimental confirmation of the response function for neutron detection using superheated drops

Neutrons can be detected with a suspension of superheated drops in an immiscible and compliant holding medium. The mechanism of this radiation-induced bubble nucleation has been studied. A model to predict the minimum neutron energy required to nucleate a vapor bubble in superheated liquids has previously been reported [R.E. Apfel, S. C. Roy, and Y.-C. Lo, Phys. Rev. A 31, 3194 (1985)]. Now, the energy-dependent response function for the detector has been calculated based on the model and a detailed consideration of the possible interactions of neutrons with superheated materials. The response of the detector has been measured with monoenergetic neutrons (from 0.025 eV to 14 MeV) at facilities of the National Bureau of Standards and the Radiological Research Accelerator Facility at the Nevis Laboratories of Columbia University. The experimental results agree reasonably well with that of the calculations.