The weighting function of a neutron capture detection system

This paper reports on a set of efficiencies and response functions for 18 gamma rays in the range from 02. to 8.4 MeV experimentally determined via a (p,{gamma}) coincidence method for a neutron capture detection setup. This consists of two cylindrical deuterated hexabenzene (C{sub 6}D{sub 6}) liquid scintillators placed symmetrically and normally with respect to the beam and operated in sum mode. A pulse-height weighing function is derived from this data set and applied to the measurement of neutron capture in the 1.5-keV resonance of {sup 56}Fe relative to capture in the 5.2-eV resonance of {sup 109}Ag. A value of {Gamma}{sub {ital n}} = 62.9 {plus minus} 2.1 meV has been obtained for the neutron width, in good agreement with the value of {Gamma}{sub {ital n}} = 61.7 {plus minus} 0.9 meV from transmission measurements. The extension of the validity of this weighing function to samples of different thickness and composition is discussed.