The neutron array of the compact spectrometer for heavy ion experiments in Fermi energy region

The emission of neutrons from heavy ion reactions is an important observable for studying the asymmetric nuclear equation of state and the reaction dynamics. A 20-unit neutron array has been developed and mounted on the compact spectrometer for heavy ion experiments (CSHINE) to measure the neutron spectra, neutron–neutron and neutron–proton correlation functions. Each unit consists of a 15 $\times$ 15 $\times$ 15 cm${}^3$ plastic scintillator coupled to a $\varphi =52$ mm photomultiplier. The Geant4 simulation with optical process is performed to investigate the time resolution and the neutron detection efficiency. The inherent time resolution of 212 ps is obtained by cosmic ray coincidence test. The n-$\gamma$ discrimination and time-of-flight performance are given by ²⁵²Cf radioactive source test and beam test. The neutron energy spectra have been obtained in the angular range $30°\le {\theta }_{\mathrm{lab}}\le 51°$ in the beam experiment of ¹²⁴Sn + ¹²⁴Sn at 25 MeV/u with CSHINE.