Performance of the Neutron dEtector with Xn Tracking (NEXT) prototype.

Recent developments in radioactive ion-beam facilities allow the production of very neutron-rich nuclei. Away from the line of beta stability towards neutron-rich nuclei, $\beta$-delayed neutron emission is the dominant decay mode. Neutron dEtector with Xn Tracking (NEXT) has been designed to better measure $\beta-$delayed neutron energies. By segmenting the detector along the neutron flight path, NEXT will reduce the associated uncertainties in neutron time-of-flight measurement, improve energy resolution while maintaining detection efficiency. A detector prototype has been built using segments of plastic scintillator with n-$\gamma$ discrimination coupled to position sensitive photomultiplier tubes. The results from the proof-of-principle measurements using a $^{252}$Cf neutron source and accelerator-produced mono-energetic neutrons will be presented.