Ge(Li) detector response to an AmBe neutron source

The effect of fast and thermal neutrons from an AmBe neutron source on a Ge(Li) detector has been studied. Three different measurements were carried out. First, the detector was exposed to a 1-Ci Am e neutron source, then a 7-cm-thick paraffin slab was placed between the source and the detector, and third, the detector was wrapped with 1-mm cadmium sheet. Measurements were performed in a low energy and a high energy range. The part of the spectrum between 3 and 4·5 MeV was found to be completely screened by the 4·43 MeV gamma ray from ¹²C in the source. In both energy regions two types of gamma-rays from different origins were detected: capture gamma-rays from the germanium and gamma-rays emitted by the source. The latter were found to be very intense in the low-energy range. The capture-gamma-ray spectrum in germanium has been compared with others results.