Graduation Year
2025
Date of Submission
4-2025
Document Type
Campus Only Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Physics
Reader 1
Shawn Westerdale
Reader 2
Janet Sheung
Terms of Use & License Information
Rights Information
2025 Otis J Fischer
Abstract
In this work, we evaluate the performance of the DICEBOX code in modeling nuclear gamma-ray cascades following neutron capture, with a focus on its integration into the G4CASCADE simulation framework. DICEBOX is particularly useful in regions of high level density and for filling gaps in poorly defined nuclear level schemes. To benchmark its effectiveness, simulated gamma spectra were compared to experimental data and other nuclear models using residuals and spectral trends. DICEBOX shows strong performance in mid-energy regions and for isotopes with high nucleon numbers, such as Gadolinium and Xenon, though it underestimates transitions from high-energy levels. This limitation, however, does not preclude its use, as relative intensities can be re-normalized. In isotopes with sparse level schemes, such as Silicon, DICEBOX offers valuable predictions for otherwise undefined transitions. The model's flexibility, including nuclear and supra-realizations, allows it to capture statistical variations in nuclear decay. Future integration into G4CASCADE will enable selective model application and improved treatment of incomplete decay data. This work highlights DICEBOX’s utility in refining nuclear background modeling for experimental simulations and detector studies.
Recommended Citation
Fischer, Otis J., "Integrating DICEBOX into G4CASCADE" (2025). CMC Senior Theses. 3959.
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/cmc_theses/3959
This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.
