Neutron-induced gamma-rays in germanium detectors

A 10% HPGe detector was irradiated with thermal neutrons with a fluence of 4 x 106 n/cm2 to observe neutron-induced gamma-rays in the detector itself; these rays are considered to be the main source of spectral background in neutron in-beam experiments. The significances of the observed peaks in the spectrum were described in terms of both their intensities and detectabilities relative to the 596 keV peak. The contributions of prompt and delayed gamma-rays to the spectral background and the activities remaining in the detector after irradiation are discussed. (author)