The next generation neutron detector for the study of exotic nuclei

The development of radioactive ion beam facilities which can create very neutron rich nuclei necessitates detectors with improved neutron energy resolution and neutron selection. Exotic nuclei near the neutron drip line are far from beta decay stability and become more likely to undergo beta delayed neutron emission processes. The Neutron dEtector with Tracking (NEXT) will be a high resolution neutron detector designed as neutron-gamma discriminating-plastic scintillator coupled to silicon photomultipliers (SiPM's). The NEXT configuration will be based on ToF measurements with improved time resolution and interaction localization. Recent advancements in PSD plastic scintillators and SiPM's are the foundation of the compact design of the NEXT detector. Current development of the prototype includes optimizing SiPM timing capabilities and determining PSD characteristics of different plastic scintillators. Monte Carlo simulations have been developed to design a scintillator with optimal light collection and timing resolution. Results from ongoing project development will be presented in this contribution.