First neutron spectroscopy measurements with a compact C7LYC based detector at EAST

The paper describes a new compact neutron spectrometer optimized for the detection of 2.5 MeV neutrons for fusion plasma applications. The first neutron spectroscopy measurements on a nuclear fusion plasma experiment (EAST) with this detector are also reported together with the data interpretation. The detector allowed separating the different neutron emission components from the plasma and to validate the effectiveness of the Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) heating. A possible improvement of the diagnostic has been also identified in order to increase the detector sensitivity to weak components of the neutron spectrum, such as those due to the Ion Cyclotron Resonace Heating (ICRH). The relatively simple response function of the C7LYC detector to 2.5 MeV neutrons together with its good capability in the n/γ discrimination, makes this detector an interesting spectrometer for deuterium (D) plasma diagnostics. In particular, its compactness allows for integration in a multi-line of sight camera where space constraints are present.